Every four years, we Indians look forward to our participants winning any medal at the olympics. But for the rest of the time, no one cares to nurture atheletes. Of course, there are a few who nurture themselves and are nurtured by a few dedicated coaches. That is not the way gold medalists thrive. Talent has to be recognised and rewarded and encouraged.
Today, as I was watching a TV show called 'dance India dance', the agility and grace of the various participants was so exemplary and of such a high level. With correct coaching and guidance, any of them could be gymnasts and could win an olympic medal. A dancer called Tanmay was exceptional.
Indians will do anything if only they have a goal in sight. If we want an olympic swimmer, then we should have easily available swimming pools. Atheletes need to practice running on a track. I recall, when my children were younger, they desperately wanted to swim. The YMCA only allows holiday learning camps for kids, that too with 'recommendation' through patrons. Their school would have a lucky draw and limit the wanna be swimmers to a limited number. The sport's club at Haji Ali wanted one crore for membership and then only one could use their swimming pool. The Mumbai Gymkhana declared that they had no spots for any more members even if one crore was offered. The Mafatlal swimming pool at chowpatty is open only for hindus and Jains. And the public swimming pool at Dadar, declared that they had a waiting list for the next four years. The police swimming pool at worli is only for police personnel and their families. It was a futile effort.
Salman Khan can share the limelight by announcing a money award for the participants, and Neeta Ambani can get brownie points on the newshour by some sugary comments on the girls who won medals for India. Can they do some real contribution by promoting sports regularly? Even Ramdev baba was quoted congratulating the girls who won. Dear Ramdevji, open a swimming pool and a track field and other sports courts and then take credit and share the limelight of the winners. The great Amitabh Bachchan also made it a point to share the kudos with his tweet, of wanting a selfie with the girls who won. Can you do something for others Mr. Big B, like donating cash towards a good training gymn for girls who want to train?
Until ordinay Indians, with a spark of sportmanship, are not kindled into a strong flame, India will always remain medal-less at the olympics of the world.
Today, as I was watching a TV show called 'dance India dance', the agility and grace of the various participants was so exemplary and of such a high level. With correct coaching and guidance, any of them could be gymnasts and could win an olympic medal. A dancer called Tanmay was exceptional.
Indians will do anything if only they have a goal in sight. If we want an olympic swimmer, then we should have easily available swimming pools. Atheletes need to practice running on a track. I recall, when my children were younger, they desperately wanted to swim. The YMCA only allows holiday learning camps for kids, that too with 'recommendation' through patrons. Their school would have a lucky draw and limit the wanna be swimmers to a limited number. The sport's club at Haji Ali wanted one crore for membership and then only one could use their swimming pool. The Mumbai Gymkhana declared that they had no spots for any more members even if one crore was offered. The Mafatlal swimming pool at chowpatty is open only for hindus and Jains. And the public swimming pool at Dadar, declared that they had a waiting list for the next four years. The police swimming pool at worli is only for police personnel and their families. It was a futile effort.
Salman Khan can share the limelight by announcing a money award for the participants, and Neeta Ambani can get brownie points on the newshour by some sugary comments on the girls who won medals for India. Can they do some real contribution by promoting sports regularly? Even Ramdev baba was quoted congratulating the girls who won. Dear Ramdevji, open a swimming pool and a track field and other sports courts and then take credit and share the limelight of the winners. The great Amitabh Bachchan also made it a point to share the kudos with his tweet, of wanting a selfie with the girls who won. Can you do something for others Mr. Big B, like donating cash towards a good training gymn for girls who want to train?
Until ordinay Indians, with a spark of sportmanship, are not kindled into a strong flame, India will always remain medal-less at the olympics of the world.
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