Brij Bhardwaj
India is changing, the new look could be seen by all in the Olympic squad which returned from Tokyo after having won a record number of medals. The performers who won the medals did not belong to elite colleges or big cities but came from small towns and villages. They were not the sons and daughters of princely families or land owners, but of daily workers, auto drivers and marginal farmers.
They had learnt to play hockey without proper sticks, no shoes or fancy dresses. They, however, had a strong will to succeed and were encouraged by supporting parents, a friendly neighbour or a coach looking for talent. The final journey was made possible by State help which provided ninety to ninety five percent of funds to get them coached and sent to Tokyo where they won medals.
Unlike in other countries, in India we have no private funding for sports. Few public sector companies, Army and Railways do encourage sports but it is on a very limited scale. Sports Authority of India set up with the objective of encouraging talent was too bureaucratic in its functioning. This time success was achieved because a small group was set up and it took decisions to provide support to sportspersons who were seen as potential medal winners.
If India has to make a mark in the field of sports, a beginning will have to be made by providing facilities not only at State level but at district level. Are Indian States prepared for it? We need gyms, stadiums, playing grounds and coaches who will spot young boys and girls at a young age and nurse talent. We need tournaments and competitions at district, state and national level. Another lesson learnt, is the need to lay stress on physical fitness. Not only coaches are needed but experts who make sure that players competing at top level are physically fit.
India has been cricket centric so far and ignored other games and sports. Cricket players received encouragement in terms of money , endorsement and support. Even Hockey, considered a national game was neglected, not to speak of other games like football. Orissa had been an exception in this respect as it came forward to sponsor Hockey team at National level. Many States announced large awards for medal winners , but money would have been well spent if same had been used to encourage young talent or building up infrastructure for sports.
Looking at the size of our country and it’s population we have to travel a long way before we are recognised as a sporting nation. India is ranked far below not only big players like USA, China or European countries. but many countries of Asia and Africa . . We can draw satisfaction from the fact that we have come back into reckoning as hockey player and made entry in athletics but there is a long road ahead before we reach close too our real potential. It will be possible only if Govt of India, States and corporate world make a joint effort. . Nurse talent, provide facilities to play, encourage players by supporting them financially. Engage coaches and support staff . An Olympic medal comes only after players and supporting staff sweat and work hard for years .It is a result of hard labour and not result of overnight flash. Talent has come from different parts of country .Tribal belts, States which are considered backward . They all need careful nurturing if India has to find space in different sports. A start has been made and we can hope in Paris we will double our medal tally.
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