Former Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organizing Committee (OC) officials T S Darbari and Sanjay Mahendroo who are close aides of Suresh Kalmadi, were arrested last Monday in a case pertaining to payments made to AM films and AM car hire, both owned by Ashish Patel, a UK based businessman. They were sent to CBI’s custody till November 22, 2010. Another top Commonwealth Games official, M Jeychandren, who was Joint Director-General of finance and accounts (and was part of the empowered committee that finalized the controversial deal with London-based AM Films), was also later arrested for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay scam. Another official - Sudhir Verma, Deputy Director General (communication) of the Games Organizing Committee (also part of the empowered panel that picked AM Films to install video screens at the venue at exorbitant rates) is also being questioned by CBI.
But the most “important” person missing in action is – our dear Mr. Kalmadi. While there have been news that he is abroad, the way this ‘mess’ has been spilled wide open, it only provides a case to re-look at our entire mechanism of sports administration.Commonwealth Games mess has provided an opportunity of sorts. It brings reason that these administrative boards/ associations need to be regulated and revamped. This should go across the games like Cricket etc. It is so unfortunate that these associations are usually run by either politicians or “administrators” who have never represented India in any match of international repute.
This brings down to – what is the role of Sports Ministry? Also, do we want to take sports like just any another thing in this country; or do we truly believe that if countries like US, China, Australia and the likes can do so well, why can’t we?
I haven’t come across a standard, publicized, yearly program on Athletics, Shooting, Swimming etc. Yes, there are once in a while events (like CWG), when we all sit-up and take notice, but other than that, there is total lack of co-ordinated approach to sports.
With close to 1.2 billion people, we can certainly don’t better!
Indeed, firstly, all Boards should be run only and only by ex-sportsmen of that sport. It should be transparent and all financial records should be published Quarterly. It cannot be something like BCCI, where a Board member even owns an IPL team and we don’t dare to call it conflict of interest?
These Boards should be given autonomy, however, under total supervision of Sports Ministry. Every state should have a world class stadium and every district (or a group of few) should have a “national” level stadium. All sports-persons should be graded in their respective games and there should be a clear compensation policy. Any sports-person who can go to district level and above, should be given the best-in-class food, equipment and all medical assistance. Later, if he cannot continue sports due to health issues, don’t dump him mid-way. There should be clear retirement plans and pension scheme.
Respect and support is all that is required by all upcoming talent. It would be a tragedy if the Government cannot retrospect and make rampant changes, after thoughtful deliberations.
Also, it is very important to see who is appointed as the Sports Minister. I hate it when I see a Minister mis-behaving with a coach and going for a photo opportunity (anyone who would have seen games in the last 3 months would know what I am talking about….hint - Wresting). Such Ministers are shameless. One who cannot respect the coach of a sports-person can never understand the meaning of sport and what it stands for.
The Sports Minister, first should have and must have played sports at the International level. He should present a clear vision on how the entire sports development would happen in the country. He should elaborate clearly, the clear road map of all sports, starting from infrastructure and facility at the village level to national level. How would he go about ensuring that the talent gets the essential support, right from the begining. Eg. if the girls in a village have immense potential in say wresting, what can he do to ensure that within a week all necessary equipment and food is available to them. Few weeks back, I saw a news report showing how our talented youth is suffering from the basic needs.
Sports needs geniune encouragement and real/actual support (monetary support - also very important). If without much support (for most sports), our sports-men/women are getting medals, imaging what they can do if given a proper planned road map and continous support.
For a nation wining medals at a global stage is as key as getting a UNSC seat!
No comments:
Post a Comment