In a country where cricket is revered as a religion and cricketers are elevated to the status of gods, it is undeniable that the sport has a special place in the hearts of the Indian population.
The recent T20 win in West Indies once again demonstrated the fervour and passion with which the nation rallies behind its cricket team. However, amidst this adulation for cricket, there exists a stark disparity in the treatment and recognition of athletes from other sports disciplines.
While cricket enjoys unparalleled respect and adoration, other sports struggle to capture the collective imagination of the nation. Despite producing exceptional talents in fields such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, boxing, and athletics, the athletes representing India in these sports often do not receive the same level of reverence as their cricketing counterparts.
The likes of Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Mary Kom, and Neeraj Chopra have brought laurels to the nation on numerous occasions, yet their achievements are overshadowed by the overwhelming spotlight on cricket.
It would be unfair to attribute this preferential treatment solely to the allure of cricket. Undoubtedly, cricket has earned its place of prominence through the dedicated efforts of its administrators and players.
The watershed moment of the 1983 World Cup win ignited a passion for cricket across the country, setting the stage for future cricketing legends to emerge. The respect and admiration accorded to cricket are a result of the sport’s sustained success and the tireless endeavours of those involved.
However, the waning popularity of sports like hockey and football cannot be overlooked. Issues such as corruption at the upper echelons and political interference have contributed to the decline of these sports in the public consciousness.
This decline, in turn, has had repercussions on India’s performance at the Olympic Games, with the nation often falling short of securing a substantial number of gold medals.
The prevailing mindset that anticipates only a limited number of gold medalists at international competitions stands in stark contrast to the potential that Indian athletes possess. It is imperative to shift this mindset towards envisaging and working towards a significantly higher tally of gold medals.
While India has come agonizingly close to clinching gold medals in various disciplines, the focus must now be on consistently delivering top-notch performances and striving for excellence across numerous sports.
In essence, India’s sporting culture must evolve to embrace and celebrate athletes from a diverse range of disciplines. The unequal distribution of recognition and resources among sports breeds a sense of disparity that hinders the holistic development of sports in the country.
By fostering a culture that values and supports athletes across all sports, India can pave the way for a future where sporting success is not confined to a single discipline but is instead a reflection of the nation’s prowess across various arenas.
It is through such inclusivity and collective support that India can truly realize its potential as a formidable force in the world of sports.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
