Simon Alphonso's column in GT Weekender Roshanlal Nahar's contract renewal raises few eyebrows
The resentment from some quarters over the renewal of contract of badminton coach Roshanlal Nahar, in some way, brings to fore the need to ring changes in the coaching segment of state sports department. Roshanlal's case is different, though. His services are being continued even after his retirement about a year ago. This has angered many a player and official who are against extension of his contract claiming it to be an irregularity. It does not, however, mean that those who have served the cause of sports should be discarded entirely after their reign is over or after they retire. Their involvement and their advice will certainly be welcomed and their vast experience is bound to be helpful. But one cannot just go on and on and still play a physically active role in the capacity as a coach. They could be fit into some advisory role. Nothing wrong in continuing? The times are changing and so is the development and approach to sports. New thoughts, new ideas, new methodology, etc. are the requirements in today's fiercely competitive world. Wouldn't younger coaches be in a better position to imbibe in the players these adaptations? While Roshanlal may have served to the best of his ability or in the eyes of his admirers, may have been one of the finest coaches ever produced in India, the fact remains that he has to make way at some point for somebody else, who may have some new tricks up his sleeve to get the game out from the rut. And when is that time? A coach, himself, is the best judge for he knows whether he still has the fire in him to keep him going. In this case Roshanlal thinks he can contribute for some more years. What's wrong in that? Nothing absolutely, in his opinion. Skeptical officialdom Consider this: what's also wrong if a new coach is appointed? Ironically, the officialdom is skeptical that that a new coach may not be of any help¸ specially, if he were to be placed at Campal. Neither the sports department (SAG) nor the state badminton association knows for sure, if and where better coaches are available. And so Roshanlal continues to enjoy their confidence because he has done everything from coaching to helping in organizational matters to the satisfaction of all. There cannot be any other reason as the game's development means everything to those responsible for making the appointments. And so according to them Roshanlal is still the best available coach to train the Goan shuttlers, especially at a time when we should begin preparations for the National Games scheduled here in 2011. System at fault? But let's be frank in admitting that even in Roshanlal's prime time, no player from the state ever made a mark at the national level. He may have given his best and served righteously. One cannot attribute the success or failure of a player, to a coach only. It is the player who is largely responsible for his own progress or for his failure. Or it could even be that quality players are not emerging from the prevailing system. If the system has to change then it can only be done with the combined effort of clubs, sports department and guardians of the game. Different tune What I cannot digest is that the same officials who had seen Roshanlal's back during his prime time, are now singing a different tune for his continuation even after retirement. Those were their personal opinions then, but now they are making statements on behalf of the Association. Hmm…very powerful people, indeed, to have sent the coach in wilderness to Bangalore for a year with their personal views. But powerless to give the game in the state a fillip.
