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Billion
People, Million Chances
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- Vishal Bhargava
Aptly described as “dismal” in sections of the media, the Indian contingents for the Olympics in Athens and Ganguly’s team at the Asia Cup and Holland have provided a rather rude, but familiar experience for the nation. Time will tell, as to whether this situation will ever improve, but suffice to say clearly there’s a lack of thought and direction from the federations and athletes.
Headlines like “Billion people, one medal” have become too common to be termed as engaging. Factually, the performance of the Indian Olympic Association has been appalling. Infrastructure and cooperation are in shocking state. And since Mr. Kalmadi seems to have far too many things on this mind, I’d take the massive task of obliging him with a few suggestions to raise the level of standard of sport in the nation. Mr. Dalmiya is also welcome to use the following suggestions for application for the betterment of cricket in the nation.
Infrastructure can be created on the basis of zones, passion and genetic factors. For eg. Due to the conducive environment in the north that brings out strong and fit personalities, it would be better to have an entire Academy of Weightlifting there. It could also be hotbed for raising and nurturing good quality fast bowlers for the innocuous pace attack heralded. As the cost of the infrastructure would be tremendous, the initial investment should be borne by the government.
Talents scouts should be sent to various schools and colleges across the country in search of the best talent available. When recruited they must be assessed on a regular basis of one year or so. (With the basic emphasis on education as well).
The corporate houses would come in the picture then with the coaches and the contracts with the talents. Top international coaches can be recruited for the youngsters at the critical nascent stage. Contracts can be set up with the athletes on various conditions. Eg. On every earning after a specific level a certain amount, say 10%, goes back to the corporate houses. Incase of cricket, he can be the brand ambassador for a certain period of time. (The China way, but even Subhash Ghai employs it with his recruits).
As the academies will have the best of the talent at the budding years itself it will serve a reminder consistently to all youngsters to be on the buzzer and perform more efficiently.
On attainment of a certain standard, the prospects must be sent to various countries for competitions and tournaments to enable them to get the feel of performing under pressure with top talents around the world.
The superior the performance, the greater the upgradation.
And that upgradation can yield several Olympic hopefuls and a cricket team capable of being the best. It’s possible. After all, it’s a nation of a billion people.
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