- It’s known all along that India as a country does not possess an all-encompassing sporting culture, unlike other nations. Except for a sporadic sparkle in an otherwise dark and dreary world of sports, the Indian sporting scenario continued to remain unspectacular without ever igniting the passion of the countrymen. Of course, cricket is hugely popular in the country raking in unheard of money largely based on the spectacularly marketed sporting ingenuity by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Yes, every kid wishes to pursue cricket as a profession simply because the patronage enjoyed by the sport is unbelievable. What about other sporting disciplines? Welcomingly, other sports have started emerging from the shadows of cricket much to the delight of all concerned.
PC: TOI
- Yes, the country has witnessed admirable and almost miraculous exploits in the international sporting arena including the Olympics in the last few decades. As you are aware, Abhinav Bindra excelling in shooting and Neeraj Chopra breaking new records to win coveted gold in javelin are some of the most historic achievements for the country that will remain etched forever. These unbelievable achievements have naturally spurred the countrymen to expect more returns in international sporting events. To its credit, the present dispensation at the Centre has left no stone unturned in not only supporting talented sportsmen to hone their latent skills but also extending all-important monetary assistance to ensure they compete with and against the best.
- Of course, apart from the government’s funding, sponsors representing some of the biggest business houses have not shied away from pumping in monetary assistance to ensure our athletes are provided world-class training to shape them into worthwhile competitors. The results are revealing itself when the Indian contingent recently returned with a historic haul of 107 medals at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. Needless to mention, breaching the 100-medal barrier is a monumental achievement truly reflecting great improvements in the country’s sporting fundamentals. Indeed, there were Olympic-worthy performances in javelin, wrestling, badminton, hockey, and long jump. This should warm the cockles of sporting authorities to no end.
PC: TOI
- Winning 28 golds 31 silver, and 48 bronze medals took us to the commendable fourth position behind the hosts China, Japan, and South Korea. The best tally since 1962. Notably, this was India’s best-ever haul at the Asian Games, a giant leap, from the previous best of 70 medals at the last edition. Heartwarmingly, the result indicates that the Indian sporting infrastructure is finally getting the fundamentals of sporting development right. Undoubtedly, the nationwide Khelo India program offering competition, scouting opportunities, and stipends to promising school-and-college going athletes, has been a game changer. Let’s fervently wish these medals will translate to some medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Congratulations to all the winners!
