Opinion Getting the game on

And for sports to become an effective industry,we need to develop a comprehensive,multi-layered national system that converts raw talent into champion material. This system must be evolved with the strong support of the Union,state and local governments. The private sector and sporting organisations at all levels also have a big role to play. Look at Australia,for instance,where sports is much more than a pastime — it’s often referred to as Australia’s “national religion”. It is a major shaper of the country’s identity and self-image. In the US,intercollegiate athletic competitions are watched avidly,and even high school sports draw large crowds and publicity. Many athletes are given scholarships to attend school and compete in their chosen games. There is no direct government authority to oversee this business,but between high school and college sports and the professional sporting leagues,the US has a hugely successful and significant sporting culture. India must also aim to incentivise sports from the early amateur levels.

India must consider a sports commission which will take on a central leadership role in the development and operation of the sports system,administrating and funding innovative programmes in line with government policy,to incentivise sports. Programmes must range from building participation in targeted communities to promoting ethical sporting practices on and off the field. The commission should also work with national sporting organisations,both public and private,to ensure that there are clear pathways from community sport to elite performance.

Elite athletes at the forefront of international competitions must regularly compete and win in a range of sports on the international stage. Only a combination of factors — the professionalism of sporting bodies in preparing and developing elite athletes,the collaboration of private and government efforts,the technical expertise of the Sports Authority of India and state sporting institutes and academies,the existence of a strong domestic sporting base and the development of international-standard coaching and support services — will ensure that champions emerge. They,in turn,will inspire newer generations and set the country on a virtuous cycle. Simultaneously,our Central sports institutes with their new infrastructure must engage professionals in sports medicine and enhance our coaches with the latest training and world-class experience.

However,the coaching question is perhaps secondary to the fact that we need to create more athletes. Look at Haryana,which gave India 15 out of its 38 CWG golds — by the chief minister’s initiative,the state gears itself towards sporting excellence at the grassroots level,incentivising domestic or international success with a cash reward and government employment. This leaves its young sportspersons free to focus on their game,unencumbered by worries about a steady income. Haryana also encourages a balance of sports and schoolwork,thus creating basic infrastructure and interest,and casting the net wide for future medallists. Giving children an early start,getting them used to competing in an open arena and the mental pressure of it,should prepare them more fully for the challenge and exhilaration of sports.

Currently in India,while elite athletes enjoy more exposure than ever,school and university-level competition has declined. Hopefully,our heady experience with the CWG will not be an isolated example,but the beginning of a new story,as it revealed the fearlessness of Indian sportspersons,and the enormous hunger to be the best. CWG mascot Shera’s call to “Come out and Play” must continue to energise India.

The writer is an Arjuna award-winning athlete and vice-president,Clean Sports