Everyone was eagerly waiting for London Olympics 2012 as there were lot of expectations and anticipations in terms of performances by individuals and teams. With team India, there has always been an expectation of winning an Olympic medal and we feel that we have sent out the best contingent for the most coveted price that every country ever wants.

However there is a striking difference in the overal approach that most of the athletes have and the approach that team India has towards these games. Please note that I am not trying to degrade our team as this is not my intention. However, through this post I would like to bring to the notice that what is the difference between the GOOD and the BEST. We have produced some great athletes like Limba Ram, Ashwini Nachappa, P T Usha, Milkha Singh, Leander Paes and now add Saina Nehwal to that list.

However, during the recent events that I observed in last few days, things are quite evident about the way our athletes are treated, the facilities that they get and the preparations that go behind each and every athlete to ensure that they are physically, mentally and emotionally 100% fit ; and its very unfortunate to know that some of our athletes have performed miserably and this has definitely got to do with the strength, fitness, stamina and overall attitude towards the event.

We had very high hopes on Hockey and Archery but our players failed miserably. No doubt the players are to be questioned for their performance, but somewhere down the line don’t you think its the problem with the system that has created a vicious circle and the only people to get trapped in this are the players? Hockey is our National Game and we have never seen any promotion/motivation/encouragement given to this sport. When it comes to cricket, these people get the best of the best facilities and privileges but when it comes to Hockey, our players are ignored sometimes.

The point I am making here is that except cricket, our other athletes are devoid of facilities and sometimes the government treats these players like trash. I was watching a news bullettin about a player in South India (I guess its Chennai) and how she was left out and not considered at all, inspite of the fact that she has won medals for the country in Asian Games. The question is WHY? Why this bias? I feel really happy when I see athletes from countries smaller than the smallest state of India participating and winning medals, but it also makes me feel unhappy. A nation that has a population of 100 crores cannot produce good quality athletes, is that a conclusion that I should draw? If that’s the case, then I pity on our government.

We need to really improve upon our infrastructure and facilities that we provide to our sportspersons to ensure that they get the best that they want and they are able to deliver the best for the country. This will ensure that we are able to produce more Gopichands and Limba Rams. If we continue this way, then we will always be hoping and praying for the medals rather than walking in confidently. We need to create the platform and encourage youngsters to come up and participate in sports other than cricket. We have the capacity and capability to participate in each and every event of Olympics. We can do that. It just needs some inspiration and a proper channelization of resources to improve our basic facilities.

Regards

Maverick32