CWG 2010 - Rural & under developed India shines

The 19th Commonwealth Games involving 71 countries including India mired in controversies over bungling and irregularities was not only held successfully and with aplomb in Delhi barring some glitches but also showcased a new and vibrant India deeply committed to its hoary socio- cultural heritage and determination to take its due place among the progressive and modern nations. Although there is no denying that the preparation for the CWG, which was allotted to India way back in 2003, progressed at a snail’s pace, the actual work on the projects related to renovation and modernisation of the 13 major stadiums including Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, commenced about two years ago after the media highlighted the lukewarm construction work and at the last minute the Prime Minster had to intervene to set the house in order after England, Scotland and Australia decided to stay away from the prestigious multi-national Games comprising 17 events citing unhygienic condition in the Games’ Village and security concerns. If the stadiums were prepared at least two months ahead of the commencement of CWG from October 3, domestic participants would have got more opportunity for training and could have improved their chances of increasing the overall medal tally. As expected, a high power committee headed by former Comptroller & Auditor General VK Shunglu has been asked by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to probe serious accusations against 20 CWG officials including the Chairman of the Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi, who is also a Congress MP from Pune and Chairman of the Olympic Committee. In addition, the Comptroller & Auditor General of India has started an audit of the money spent for the biggest ever sporting event held in India as of now.

As the probe by the Committee and the CAG continues, it would not be wise on our part to forget that it is a matter of pride not only for the stakeholders but also the people of India that the CWG was held smoothly and it has broken myths that it is only the upper strata of the society who can engage themselves in sports and bring laurels for their motherland from international sporting events. This misconception is apparent when we salute Deepaka Kumari, a 16 year old daughter of a three-wheeler driver from Ranchi, for clinching the gold medallion in the archery competition in the CWG against her competitors from other advanced countries.

What are the antecedents of the wrestlers and boxers from troubled Manipur, the most neglected state not only in the North East but also in India, and Haryana, who have enhanced the nation’s prestige? Is it not worth mentioning that out of a total of as many as 101 medals, Haryana has bagged 23 and the economically backward Manipur has lifted 7 medals including four gold, one silver and two bronze medals? Haryana is followed by developed Punjab with a tally of 20 medals comprising six gold, six silver and four bronze. The Northeastern state Manipur is ahead of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Jharkhand, Kerala, Rakjasthan and Tripura with seven medals in its kitty. What does this indicate?

It is the rural India and not urban India which has triumphed. Although the fact remains that facilities for training with experienced coaches are available in urban areas, the boys and girls from Haryana, Maharashtra and Manipur have proved how their local gurus can perform magic in international sporting events. While weightlifter Soniya Chanu rightly dedicated her silver in weightlifting to her beleaguered native state Manipur, twin medallist gymnast Ashish Kumar has acknowledged that Allahabad has given him a lot as he had the opportunity to train in the National Sports Academy which is near his residence. The academy picks up boys and girls for training to become national level gymnasts. But are all the medallists with rural background and minus any pedigree fortunate like him? Madhya Pradesh, which has bagged only one medal more than Manipur, has some surprise performers. It has picked up six gold and two silver medals. Uttar Pradesh has collected three gold medals out of India’s total 38 gold medals. Madhya Pradesh’s shooters are mostly army personnel who were trained at Mhow Army Marksmanship Unit.

In table tennis, players from Siliguri and Midnapur ,which are far away from Kolkata have done well. Despite millions of football and cricket crazy fans in West Bengal, the state government is implementing a foolproof policy on the promotion of Table Tennis which has emerged as a popular sport in the state. Besides experienced Table Tennis coaches, Table Tennis boards are provided to all schools in the state.

One will not disagree with former ace swimmer Bula Chowdhury from West Bengal when she says that archery is in the blood of the people from eastern India, particularly the tribal belt in the region, and therefore the game should be promoted among the youngsters there. It is heartening that those who have been trained in the Tatas Archery Institute at Jamshedpur have done wonders. They include Deepika Kumari, Rahul Banerjee, Dola Banerjee and Assam born Jayanta Talukdar, the son of a quarry owner.

There is a lot of water in Assam, some other Northeastern parts of India and also West Bengal, where the concerned authorities should hunt for talent and encourage swimmers.

As West Bengal has emerged as the Table Tennis hub in the country, Patiala is on the country’s sporting map for providing training under experienced coaches in various disciplines. It should not be forgotten that the erstwhile Maharaja of the ex-princely state of Patiala donated his palace 50 years ago for utilisation in the training of players in various games. The apex training centre, which has emerged as Asia’s largest institute of its kind, can accommodate close to 1,000 sportspersons at a time.

Now, is it not the time for the government to substantially increase the national budget of sports from a mere 0.32 per cent? The society and the governments in the states should ensure that aspiring sportspersons can not only enhance their image but also become worthy and earning citizens. Without supportive parents and local authorities none of the 101 Indian medallists could have become achievers. This is also the lesson from the Delhi CWG.