India, no country for athletes?

India, no country for athletes

India, a country bursting at its seems, has a population of 1.2 billion, where 600 million do not know where they are getting there next meal. We expect miracles as every God fearing individual on this land. How do we expect our athletes to perform miracles, to bring back laurels for its people when we have no dedicated program to support these athletes? Apart from cricket which has more money pumped in than the poorer states of India; all others survive on pittance.

One hears of horror stories of no ration, lack of empathy from the officials, where players have to literally beg for awards aka Vijay Singh who asked before leaving for the Olympics that how many medals would he need to win before getting a state honor so as to uplift his financial condition?  The government sleeps and then raises the hype before any important event without having a dedicated program. Talking to an Olympian who shone throughout the world, and is considered to be one of the best fullbacks of the Indian hockey team and captained the Indian National Hockey Team in the Olympics in 1992, 1996. He expresses his views in a harsh and stern way saying that till we do not have a consolidated, concerted effort which is consistent and sustainable leading to the all round development nothing will come. We will not win any medals .The ones, which are won, are on the basis of sheer grit, determination and single-minded focus.

Pargat, when asked about the continuing dismal performance says it is all because of lack of super-specialization unlike China which has a multi –pronged disciplinary committee which is supported by most importantly government backing and funds to ensure smooth functioning. He says, until unless the dietary intake is not improved, the athletes will not sustain.

A holistic, all balanced, complete intake of diet and super specialization will convert the athletes into super athletes to realize the dreams of billions. Also, most importantly Pargat says it has to be consistent day in and day out year after year not like the frogs that come out in the monsoons!