While in all countries sports is mandatory and not a pass time but sports in India is really part time for players but full time for politicians and bureaucrats. All State/UT sports bodies or even national sports bodies are fiefdom of politicians and their cronies. Corruption charges and court cases are synonymous for Indian sports now, be it cricket or hockey or football . Even Indian Olympic Committee has not been spared and the result India was on verge of suspension from IOC in December this year. The reason has been simple, conflict of interests by senior officials, corruption charges, in fighting and resultant court cases being dragged for years and end result no election of National Olympic Committee. NOC tried to manipulate things at IOC just like they do in politics but IOC refused to accept the things and issued warning letter of last reminder before suspension of Indian Olympic Committee. Repercussion of this ban would have been no Indian sports person can compete under Indian flag/banner. This has happened in the past in 2014 Winter Olympics when Indian athletes had to enter sports arena under IOC flag as India was suspended by the world body in 2012 for violating the Olympics Charter and violations included ‘tainted’ officials.
It is indeed a sordid tale of one hundred thirty plus crore population performing so badly in sports on world platform. It is a pity when tiny countries repeatedly stand on podium but our sports persons just participate for experience, but no lessons learnt even after 75 years of independence. It is heartening to see PT Usha, the sprint queen of India, now at the helm of affairs with many more sports persons also at various other senior posts. The wheel of course correction has started and one hopes right measures are taken to make India Vishwa Sports Guru as well. Whole nation is looking at new team, some drastic decisions will be following, practically a fantastic series of events for sports fraternity.
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