PERFORMANCE AT OLYMPICS It is the not 1.2 billions population that decides the winner. The serious preparation that begins with the just concluding Olympics. The Govt . of many Nations that are to reckoned with the medals tally, sincerely back up their sportsmen/.women to the hilt. Olympics performance is a competition between Nations like prestige and war. There is investment of men and material .The selection of athletes, sportsperson is based on potential and there is no scope for manipulations of selection process, Besides the completion at Olympics is tough and those that compete are the best in their own sphere of interests. Hence the finalists are those that can stand the test of competition
It is said the Phelps, swimmer from USA has as many medals , that India has won in all Olympics competitions so far. The struggle, preparation towards the ambitious competition is serious hard work and only those that meet the qualifying mark are part of squad., This year we have a much higher number of participation's in many sports fields, That is a welcome sign. It is only recently that sports is receiving due attention and preference, priority, from utter neglect and indifference of authorities in the past. New infrastructure is being built, all types of sports are receiving recognition. Earlier it was only cricket that hogged lime light with advertisers vying to participate. Hockey, one time that brought glory to the country was in utter neglect, even with lack of interest from spectators. The monetary compensation to Hockey was a pittance in comparison with Cricket. Fortunately attitudes are changing and participation in archery, shooting, wrestling ,badminton, tennis and gymnastics are now open to Indian sports persons after years of indifference by successive Govts both at State and National level. Our sports persons are inadequately supported with materials., Imagine a runner crying hoarse It is disappointing no doubt that India as a country has not opened medal account Not only the Country, but the parents, Institutions work towards academic results at the cost of sports, Recently students participation at various levels are allotted marks that add up with academic performance., Recognition is dawning on everyone that sports as a career has a lot of scope and spring board for employment. Our attitude towards losing is vastly different from winners. A celebrity tweet about the participants performance was premature and ill timed, The encouragement in the face of disappointments of poor performance is much needed booster, that Nation stands united in acceptance, rather than resorting to oblique strides Many of the past sports persons of repute are living in penury, working at bricks manufacturing unit and others have been reduced to financial infirmities and ignored with their financial plights. Is this the story of sportsperson in other countries, dumped and forgotten, when they are beyond medals potentials? Apparently such heart rendering stories are still not headlines news The way forward is to extend all facilities right from school level, Sports much receive the recognition on par with academic pursuits. Much is being done by establishing academies etc. Time will produce results. But until then patience and support, encouragement, appreciation, recognition will go a long way, instead of mindless criticism Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
