Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Indian men8217;s hockey team came to the Asia Cup as defending champions. So, the joy over the win against the formidable South Koreans in Sunday8217;s final in Chennai draws from more than the 7-2 scoreline. It8217;s more to do with the scent of revival. It8217;s most to do with the sight of packed stands in the stadium and the chatter on the streets that remained the day after. Coming days after India8217;s unexpected football victory over Syria 8212; again to the wonderful spirit in the stands 8212; it holds promise of more than a future extravagant with good team performances. It could put India on a corrective as a sport-viewing nation by placing the spectator in the stands at the heart of sport. This is not just a nod to the entertaining value of sport 8212; it is the key to incentivising a larger talent pool.
International cricket, for obvious reasons, has in India no concern for the spectator at the ground. And it shows on the big occasions. For one-day internationals, once quotas for affiliated associations and sponsors are through, there is a stampede for the small number of tickets left for sale. For other matches 8212; and these even include Test fixtures against well-reputed teams 8212; the stands are starkly empty. Why? Because the television-rights oriented economics of the sport are such that cricket has no incentive to respect the turnstiles. And thereby, it has zero motivation to make a day at the ground a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Cricket is too well secured by the assurance of millions of television viewers.
India8217;s traditional strength at dribbling and striking field goals, it will be that much easier.
