Sports central

The wait is over and the London 2012 Summer Olympics is finally here.  With over 26 different sports and 39 athletic disciplines streaming into your home, here’s a quick look at some of the best sporting action you can catch on your screen.

 Our pick: The opening act Yesterday was the much talked about opening ceremony, The Isles of Wonder (helmed by Danny Boyle, so there was plenty of popular culture references and live performances paying tribute to Britain’s music and film heritage).

 Plus 15,000 performers and A R Rahman’s Punjabi track found space alongside timehonoured Olympic traditions like raising the Olympic flag and the Parade of Nations.

 The stadium was trans formed into a facsimile of the British countryside with real farmyard animals.

 ESPN, Star Sports and ESPN HD broadcasted the show live (this morning at 1am).

 While ESPN was more India specific, Star Sports concentrated on international top athletes and ESPN HD captured the best action from the games.

 “ESPN will be in the heart of the action with a special focus on athletes and events featuring the region’s top contenders,” said Rathindra Basu, senior director, ESPN Software India.

 For the rest of the Games, SportsCenter Espresso will offer a fast-paced round-up of the Olympics action with game highlights, athlete interviews and comprehensive onground coverage.

 Live daily coverage begins at 12. 30 pm, till 4:30 am the following morning.

SportsCenter Espresso will air at 7 am, 8 am and 12 pm on ESPN. CNN IBN Go for Glory a show of same name under a different channel, features world-renowned personalities such as Michael Ferreira, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (shooting), Akhil Kumar (boxing), Jagbir Singh (hockey), and others.

 Airs today at 7 pm.  BBC Entertainment

Not much of a sports fan but don’t mind a good fiction show? Try Going for Gold: The ’48 Games, starring English heartthrob Matt Smith of Doctor Who fame, which premiered on July 22.

It traces the journey of two young men Burt Bushnell (Matt Smith) and Dickie Burnell (Sam Hoare) who struggle against all odds and strike gold at the 1948 London Olympics. Sundays at 8 pm. Neo Sports

This channel has two ongoing shows Dial S for Sports and Sports Zone anchored by Keith Sequeira, which focusses on Indian athletes, their chances of victory and the different disciplines they arecompeting in.

 “ Dial S for Sports will telecast the important highlights in a discussion with special guests while Sports Zone will give you a daily update on the same,” says Sequeira.

 Dial S for Sports airs every Friday at 8.30 pm while Sports Zone airs everyday at 7.30 pm.