Three women, Sakshi, Sindhu and Deepa have done India proud by their achievements at the recently concluded Olympics in Rio. Predictably, they have been showered with awards and gifts by governments, individuals, associations and sponsors. While they undoubtedly deserve the honour that they have received, this postachievement support raises quite a few questions.
In the first few days when our athletes were not making a mark, many individuals were critical of their performance. It is a fact that while our sportspersons get bashed when they fail to perform, they get placed on a pedestal when they get results. However, very little attention is paid to their training and the effort that they have to put in, in the years before the competition takes place. A question is often raised as to why with a population of nearly 125 crore we have always faced a drought, in the medal tally. The problem I believe begins at home. Our children are rarely encouraged to participate in a sport. This is true across all households, with different economic backgrounds. In the case of the poor, it is of an economic constraint that prevents the child from taking up a sport; in the case of the middle class it is probably the desire to secure an economically sound future that drives the parents to force children to study rather than play. The situation is changing to some extent.
We must all realise, that merely having a large young population will not ensure Olympic medals for our country. For that all the children in the country must be able to play at least one sport of their choice. It is only then that we will have stellar achievers. In our country it is only those who achieve either national or international fame that can have an economically secure future. This must change. Even those who achieve some level in any sport must be in a position to make a reasonable living. This need not necessarily be achieved through reservation in jobs, but if the sport itself spreads far and wide, then that itself will give employment opportunities like, maintenance and creation of sports infrastructure, coaching et cetera. Every economist of repute has expressed the view that in order to achieve economic prosperity creation of a sound infrastructure is absolutely essential. This is equally true of any sport.
The next issue is in regard to the regulation of sports associations. It is true that over the last many decades many sports associations have been badly managed. There has been mismanagement of funds, in some cases even misappropriation. To run such institutions efficiently one has to strike a balance between those who have knowledge of the game and those who can administer it. A sportsman is not necessarily a good administrator and possibly a bureaucrat can fill in that role. Politicians can impress upon the government the requirements of the sport. While politicians and bureaucrats must not be permitted to misuse their positions to garner posts in such associations, a general bashing of these persons is also incorrect. When we are critical of politicians and bureaucrats as a class, we often forget that they have not fallen from heaven and are one amongst us. Many have actually contributed to the development of sport. Therefore while one welcomes regulation of sport, it must happen internally and through pressure from the public. The judiciary cannot do this job. Its role should be limited to nudging those concerned into action.
Finally, one must accept the role of sponsors and advertisers in the popularisation of a sport. Some are very critical of what they call “commercialisation” of a game. However, a game becomes popular only if it is viewed by more and more people. If that is so, then the needs of the public and their tastes have to be borne in mind. The IPL in cricket has been a total game changer. The format of the game has undergone a change. With the viewing public having less time on their hands, the T-20 form of the game has become more and more popular. With competition becoming more intense the skill levels have also increased tremendously. Very recently this format has been adopted by a local sport namely Kabaddi. A sport which was played mainly in Maharashtra and a few other parts of the country is now becoming a national sport and is increasing in popularity.
It needs to be accepted that sponsors and advertisers, the media moguls are here to stay. One must give them their due share, while ensuring that the game continues to be played fairly. A well regulated sport will be beneficial for those who enjoy it as well as those who play it. One hopes that the Olympic fever does not subside. If more and more children play a sport with standard facilities we will certainly see many more Olympic medals. It needs patience and perseverance. The Indian tricolour, being unfurled and the national anthem, being played at victory ceremonies will then not remain a dream but will become reality.
