- There cannot be a better feeling than one experienced collectively by the entire country when the handsome-looking javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal on the penultimate day of the Tokyo Olympics. Stating that there was an overwhelming feeling of euphoria, ecstasy, and gratification amongst the citizens would amount to an understatement. The social media going into a tizzy while sharing the historic achievement surely had electrified the nation where sporting triumphs are few and far in between. What then is the major takeaway from the recently concluded biggest sporting extravaganza on earth? As a nation endowed with a 1.3 plus billion population, have we done well enough to feel satisfied, or could we have done even better?
PC: Rohan Sen
- The answer would be a mixed one obviously as we could have done better in some of our strongest sporting disciplines like archery, shooting, wrestling, and boxing, respectively. On a positive note, Tokyo has seen India score its biggest ever medal haul of 7 but rank only 48 in the overall tally. Reminiscing at 2008, we asked why it had taken so long for the first individual gold to come yet celebrated grandly, not knowing the wait for the next one would be 13 years long. Honestly, such a long drought must not be repeated. Ideally speaking, concerted efforts should start in right earnest by aiming to triple our gold tally in Paris and aim at taking it to at least 10 in Los Angeles. By no means, these are unrealistic goals well within the achievable grasp.
- Yes, massively enhancing funding as well as setting up international standard sporting infrastructure should be prioritized with a focused aim of achieving a striking upswing in Olympic fortunes. Unfortunately, where we are positioned on the matter as compared to countries like UK and China is not worth mentioning. By one expert estimate, the Government of India spends 3 paise per day per capita on sports as compared to China’s Rs. 6.10, almost 200 times more. Of course, pumping in money alone will not suffice as complementing efforts like detailed planning, efficient scouting, investing in disciplines with the best medal prospects, thoroughly professionalizing sports management, and exposure to world-class competition should be the guiding force. Some other inspired and incisive moves should also be thought about.
PC: DRIBBLE ARENA
- What better way than to introduce pro leagues, on the lines of Indian Premier League T20 cricket, especially men’s and women’s hockey alongside a vibrant tournament circuit in individual sports, that will go a long way in making the difference between finishing on the podium or not. Expect corporate sponsors to step up from now on to help build a healthier ecosystem where audiences engage with a variety of sports as also opening up more job opportunities for sportspersons. The Government must take a lead here. We have seen how lackadaisical the sports administrators are, as our Olympians’ background stories make it clear how meager resources at the grassroots level severely impede sporting talents. If we have to realize our ambitions at the 2024 and 2028 Olympics, the work to identifying the next champions must gather pace right away. I hope, it does.
