The ever-elusive olympic gold in an individual event, finally came to India, due to her hero, Abhinav Singh Bindra. With this, the common man is elated. Likewise, the politicians are extremely happy. For all one might know, the ruling government, might treat it as an another(?) feather in its cap. Till now, the Olympics was something of a painful event, that used to occur every 4 years. Shame, resolve to do something about the dismal scenario, helplessness over the lack of resources and encouragement, etc. over a period of a month or so, to be soon morphed by the euphoria over cricket and its activities and players. If only cricket had been an event at the games!!!! Well, even then, could we assure ourselves of a gold, if not, a medal?
Well, the author belonged to a generation, where, cricket was necessarily considered a spoil-sport for the child's education, and dreams of becoming an engineer or a doctor. Now, cricketers, who make it, definitely make more than the smartest engineer, and can further retire early. Thanks to the Indian Premier League and the Indian Cricket League, the process of getting rich quickly, is made possible. It wouldn't be surprising if the present generation of parents, in fact, encourages their children to play more cricket than study. Maybe the Indian parent would further tout for an Indian Woman's Premier League. Nevertheless, cricket does and would continue to retain its #1 position, sadly, so, at the cost of the other sports.
Recently, the author came across a few comments in a newspaper portal, that was down right shocking to say the least. The main theme, was, as to how the North Indian's are performing and getting medals for the country, while the so called South Indian brainies, slog for an IT firm, both, in India and overseas, and hog on idli-dosa-sambhar. Well, talking more on this ridiculous argument or point of view, would be utterly insane. So, what does the future hold for us? China, courtesy, its 32 year boycott of the games, got its first gold medal in 1984, in Shooting. Can we expect, India to top the gold medals tally, in Olympics 2032, and further expect India to be the hosts? China was clear in its mission 2008, maximize the gold medals in events where it is good. So, if we were to follow a similar policy, then, what options do we have, and do we have to do?
By the way, one genuine question - why isn't Chess one of the sporting events in the Olympics.
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