- It is generally believed that India as a country sorely lacks the sporting culture abundantly witnessed in several other countries. Countries like the United States of America, Russia, Australia, and China have been recognized as sporting powerhouses producing internationally acclaimed athletes with certain regularity. No wonder, the number of medals won by these countries has reached the zenith whereas a country like India continues to struggle to even cross double-digit despite making concerted efforts by the sports authorities and the government concerned. The moot point to ponder over here is why India is unable to replicate what other countries are producing vis-a-vis champion
PC: Quora
- Yes, the belief that India is bereft of a sporting culture is deeply embedded and needs to be removed forthwith. However, exceptions to the norm are being witnessed in the recent past showcasing how initiatives started a few years back are yielding desired results. As you are aware, the Tokyo Olympics showed what the Indian athletes are capable of. Champion Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra winning a gold medal in the competition was not only welcomed with great enthusiasm and excitement but also made all countrymen feel proud about the historical achievement. As if on cue, thousands of young Javelin throwers took to the sport with gusto proving yet again how an Olympic win propels the imagination of wannabe sportsmen.
- As the subject tagline suggests, other than the state of Haryana, very few states are known to produce renowned athletes who in turn can produce goods in the sporting arena. For the uninitiated, Haryana is a state known for its vast swathe of agricultural land, youths representing the country in the defense forces, and generally considered hardworking people known to excel in marquee sporting disciplines. The moot point to ponder over here is why is it that Haryana alone is at the forefront in sporting disciplines like shooting, wrestling, and boxing producing champions out of nowhere. What makes the state shine bright in unearthing champion sports personalities when other equally accommodating states fail to produce the results?
PC: Hindustan Times
- To start with the encouragement and monetary benefits extended by the Haryana government to the athletes must be applauded big-time. Apart from the huge cash rewards awaiting the success, the assurance of a government job commensurate with the stature of the medal won, the award of land to set up academies, and great emphasis on setting up sporting infrastructure has played a transformative role in making Haryana the pioneer state in producing some of the best-known Indian sporting icons. No wonder, a state known for skewed female feticide and skewed sex ratio is encouraging women athletes to excel at their chosen sports discipline. It makes imminent sense for other states to replicate, if not better, what Haryana has achieved.
