The Olympian Wait

A nation of a billion people waiting for a good show at the Olympics is a tall hope-a hope that has hardly been backed by the responsible organizations. The nation of a billion produces new talent every year and they are lost thanks to bureaucracy, red tapes, inadequate support or sometimes not taking talent seriously. Our nearest neighbor, China is not only a super power but also a sports power. Every time, their medal tally at the Olympics proves this point. On the other hand, our thirst for the Olympic Gold was quenched long back. No, the sportspersons are not to be blamed. Imagine if you had to beg and ask a million times or even pay from your own pocket for basics that are required for the game. How many of you would have the heart to continue struggling like that?

Today is the time when science, technology, equipments, advance medical help is provided to athletes all over the world to break into the international scene. Talent is the main crux but it is supplemented with loads of other things. It is honed, carved, strengthened and pampered, something that is a rare scenario in India. The step-motherly treatment dished out for our sports fraternity ( cricket excluded of course ) should be stopped.

There is a sizeable improvement in Olympics in the last few years, all thanks to private players entering the field and taking over the reins. Big names like Lakshmi Mittal Trust, Olympic Gold Quest, Sahara India have now jumped in the scenario to support and take care of players. From funding to equipments, physio to counseling. They are taking care of everything. No doubt, now we are seeing better performances. Last appearance at the 16th Asian games, different World Championships, World Cups and other international games are live examples that support is all that is needed to hone our talent. 

We have many players who are reigning world champions or in the top 10 of the world. We have millions more who are now confident of training hard to display their talent. There are so much more hope for them. There is still a Herculean task in front of us as there is so much more to do. The hope in our heart is to reach the top of the medal tally with a stellar overall performance across the different genres of games and establish India as a global sports power.