The success of Haryana sportspersons in the London Olympics has been lauded by the country. Out of the six medalists, four – Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Saina Nehwal and Gagan Narang - have their roots in Haryana.
While I am proud of their achievement, I wonder why Punjab cannot replicate Haryana’s focus towards sports. Haryana-origin athletes have won 60 per cent of India's medals in the 2010 CWG and 67 per cent in 2012 Olympics. All this while only 2.1 per cent of Indians live in Haryana!
There was a time when Punjab dominated India’s hockey. But they are nowhere now. We should draw a lesson from the Olympics and start repairing the damages of the past years. There are two reasons why Haryana sportspersons did so well in the Olympics – training and infrastructure. Punjab, too, needs to identify potential sportspersons and train them from a very early age. We have to invest funds and create world-class training infrastructure and stadiums. There is no dearth of talent in the state. All we need to do is hone them.
Players should also be encouraged with government jobs such that they can concentrate on the game and not bother about supporting their families. I am totally for sports quotas in government departments to boost sports. If Haryana can do it, so can we.
While I am proud of their achievement, I wonder why Punjab cannot replicate Haryana’s focus towards sports. Haryana-origin athletes have won 60 per cent of India's medals in the 2010 CWG and 67 per cent in 2012 Olympics. All this while only 2.1 per cent of Indians live in Haryana!
There was a time when Punjab dominated India’s hockey. But they are nowhere now. We should draw a lesson from the Olympics and start repairing the damages of the past years. There are two reasons why Haryana sportspersons did so well in the Olympics – training and infrastructure. Punjab, too, needs to identify potential sportspersons and train them from a very early age. We have to invest funds and create world-class training infrastructure and stadiums. There is no dearth of talent in the state. All we need to do is hone them.
Players should also be encouraged with government jobs such that they can concentrate on the game and not bother about supporting their families. I am totally for sports quotas in government departments to boost sports. If Haryana can do it, so can we.
No comments:
Post a Comment