The entire Indian contingent’s gritty performance in Tokyo has uplifted the nation’s expectations. Let’s now start working from the grassroots up
It is 1+2+4 for India in Olympics 2020, the best ever. The medal winners deserve all the accolades, awards, appreciation and adulation from a grateful nation. And it need not be confined to the seven heroes but to all those who created history with their determination, commitment and participated in the spirit of karmayoga. The manner the women’s hockey team endeared itself to public indicates how India’s young women are determined to make a mark in sports. After 41 years, Indians got a medal in men’s hockey, though our girls missed it by a whisker, but both the teams left an indelible impression on people across the globe. The commitment, determination and dexterity displayed by both the teams in every match were exemplary. Equally unique was the gesture of the Indian Prime Minister, who communicated the entire nation’s gratitude when he spoke to the hockey teams and individual athletes not only when they won, but also when they couldn’t despite best efforts.
It is nigh impossible to think of any head of State motivating players even in defeat. Winning medals matters, but there are other tangible gains that must be counted. As media highlighted the background of our athletes, including most of those in men and women hockey teams, the road map for future efforts to create a nationwide culture of sports becomes increasingly clear. As the national euphoria settles down, it is time to find out how the talent could be identified and nourished right from childhood, irrespective of their location, economic background and other social or cultural impediments. Every Indian loves every member of this Olympic contingent. The names that are making the rounds among the young and old alike include Neeraj Chopra, Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahia, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and the men’s hockey team.
I read with keen interest how most of them could overcome the impediments to stand on the global podium. The story of Chanu, the first Indian medal winner this year, of the last 10 years could stir the conscience of everyone. It could be an outstanding chapter in national textbooks as her strength and determination could inspire millions. It just cannot be accepted that her travails were not known to those who were holding responsible positions around her village; say, schoolteachers, panchayat functionaries, block development officers, SDM, and so on. If they did not know, they were certainly incompetent. If they knew, they were terribly insensitive!
I see the seeds of this insensitivity even in the generous cash awards announced by Chief Ministers and others to golden boy Neeraj Chopra. The kitty has already crossed the Rs 10-crore mark. On the other hand, there are stories of women hockey players still living in jhuggis with parents, with the family on hand-to mouth existence. All they would get is only Rs 5 lakh. Is it really necessary to create such discrepancy? India, for the first time, congratulated not only the winners but also those who couldn’t make a podium finish, which has motivated sportspersons across the country. I wonder whether the bounty worth crores (from public exchequer) announced by the CMs really motivates anyone. Besides, none of the politicians in power, or eager to be back in power, has announced these rewards from personal funds, even those known for accumulating huge personal affluence. On this point, the nation salutes Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and his role in promoting hockey deserves emulation by every other CM.
As the euphoria subsides, it would be worth a rethink how to honour our winners and, simultaneously, how to prepare future winners who could multiply the single gold medal to a number that would put India among the first five in the list of medal winners. Our athletes, particularly women, have clearly told the nation that they could compete in practically each and every sector but they need support, facilities and an encouraging environment. There could also be other ways: Millions of people were deeply touched when the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna was renamed the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna. What a great tribute it would be to every sportsperson of India — past, present and upcoming — if every stadium/sports facility is renamed after sportspersons, and sportspersons only? If not now, someday it will happen. Sportspersons would demand their due, and people would be with them.
The State Governments must focus on creating, and dexterously continuing, the culture of sports among the young. Public acceptability of Government schools is on the rise, well-established by the recent, unexpected increase in enrolment in several States. The opportunity must not be lost. The Corona- generated impact on family incomes could be one factor but the more important contributors are the initiatives by certain State Governments to augment the schools’ infrastructure inputs. Simultaneously, there is increasing resentment against private schools who ruthlessly fleece the parents. Let every State Government refurbish its plans to cast the net wide, every school be generously equipped with appropriate playing materials and with access to coaching on a regular basis. One wonders why there has been no announcement from the corporate world to adopt a particular State or even a district, and declare that every school shall be equipped to become a sports school. Let a few of them establish residential schools for talented children with the prospect of excelling in sports.
(The author works in education and social cohesion. The views expressed are personal.)
