- As you are aware, there is a huge gap between hope, dreams, and action resulting in the desired results at the end. However, what matters in the end is the result and/or action showcasing a tangible outcome. Yes, we all should nurture hopes, sustain dreams, and plan meticulously to realise the stated objectives. Nonetheless, the ultimate achievement must be the result proving unambiguously whether we have succeeded in our endeavours as intended or envisaged. Of course, for any intended objective to fructify on expected lines, the preparation, planning, execution, hard work, and diligence should be in tandem without which nothing can be achieved. This goes true to everything in life, professional and domestic, as well as the sporting arena too.
PC: The Bridge
- Reams and reams have been written on how India lacks the desired levels of sporting instinct and culture to be counted among the best in the world. Looking around some of the powerhouse sporting nations would reveal to what extent the government authorities/federations have contributed to making the athletes perform and deliver at the highest levels consistently. The Indian sporting scenario especially the competitive levels is anything but minimalistic is stating the obvious. Yes, we are a cricketing powerhouse but how countries are involved in the sport by the way? Not many save for a handful of countries. The medal tally in the Olympic Games is the barometer denoting where any country stands in the sporting achievement hierarchy.
- As much as we wish to believe that India has arrived in the big sporting arena like the Olympics, the medal tally of the Indian contingent is anything but encouraging. Seven medals in the Tokyo Olympics and six in the recently concluded Paris Games are not flattering numbers by any stretch of the imagination. Undeniably, star performers like Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, Rajyavardhan Rathore, Vijay Kumar, Sushil Kumar, PV Sindhu, Neerjaj Chopra, and Manu Bhaker have made the country swell with pride whenever they conquered the best in the competition to emerge world winners at the most hallowed stage. The moot point to ponder over here is why the most populous country in the world is still very far away from being counted among the best in the sporting world
PC: Testbook
- The sporting infrastructure push from the government authorities is inadequate is stating the obvious. The accompanying training, workshops, equipment, sponsorships, coaching, monetary benefits, and participation in world-class competitions demand huge investments. Prima facie we are found wanting in these aspects though the Union Government’s Target Olympics Podium Finish (TOPS) has yielded limited success, but it’s a great initiative is unquestionable. Parents right from school days should also encourage their wards to take up sports as a viable career opportunity. Thankfully, the parents’ perception of sports is also seeing a change as many are not averse to allowing their children to pursue them professionally. But we need more from all concerned.
