Indian SupPORT

The Olympics has just ended and it has given us a couple of more reasons to cheer and look forward for the next edition. A Bronze in 2000, Silver in 2004, and this time we have a Gold (after 28 Yrs and the first in an Individual Event), and 2 bronze medals, in Wrestling and Boxing. The Growth has definitely been progressive, but the Star that Shone today fails to shine again.

In 1996 Indian Tennis received a Shot in the Arm with Paes winning a Bronze, In 2000 Weight-Lifting, thanks to Karnam Malleshwari; 2004 Silver in Trap-Shooting, a fete well accomplished by Rajyavardhan Rathod the Flag bearer of the Indian Contingent at Olympics, this time. It is Unfortunate that we haven’t been able to repeat the act, whether it is the same Star or the same event, we have not achieved the target for a second time, Only Individual performances on the given day and for given Circumstances have put Indian name on the medals tally (in plain words, it makes one doubt that it was just a matter of chance or luck, that put us there), the same stars have failed in the Heats.

NOTE: I do not intend to undermine their performances, but wish to point out that there has been no progress, from where they had left.

The only event in which we seem to headed forwards are the BOXING, Indian Pugilists have consistently performed be it Common-Wealth Games, The Afro-Asian, or the Asian there has been an Indian name the last 8 and last 4, this time too we had 3 of them making it to the Quarters and one went to the Semis.

Our Olympians lack the Support that stars enjoy, it takes tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to be able to compete at an International Showcase event such as the Olympics, how many of us Knew the names such as Abhinav Bindra, Sushil Kumar, or the Boxer Kumars (Akhil, Jitender, and Vijender) before the world knew it???? The furore and focus failed to move away from Lee-Hesh, Sania, Anjali Bhagwat, and Rajyavardhan RATHOD, all of whom have failed. Each Olympian is an asset to the nation and we have to ensure that they are given due recognition.

Providing monetary benefits to the medalists is appreciated, but it does not ensure the performance is repeated or carried forward. We need a comprehensive outlook in trying to improve the overall infrastructure and perquisites needed to bring out the best of talents to the center stage. Sporting Organizations must be headed and governed by credible Athletes and Patrons; and must become a political playground. Our sporting organizations, from the IOA to the IHF, have all been a forum of politically motivated controversies. There’s a debate over the inclusion of T20 cricket into Olympics, and India having a greater stead to win another Medal and preferably GOLD, but mind you, there’s also ample opportunity for a greater records (like India being defeated by countries like Cambodia, Uganda or even Fiji Islands…) given the nature of game and our players past performances..

Our SPORT lacks SupPORT…… Back them, with the same ardor and generous finance, whatever is the event and its outcome…

In a Country of a billion, there’s no dearth for talent; but it is latent.