n Memories of the recently-concluded Olympics games in Tokyo have reflected how Indian sportspersons from humble backgrounds were overcoming every odd to perform well at the biggest international sports event.
Whatever be the quantum result and number of medals, they have achieved through their hard work and perseverance, that resulted in winning medals and wide spread admiration. Profiles of several sports persons, male and female, who were representing India at different games in general as well as male and female hockey players in particular in the recent Olympics reveal that they grew up in conditions of great economic hardships. This is true for many players who represented India in several games at the Olympics events.
Their parents and siblings made immense sacrifices to save the pennies for their equipment, dress and training. They overcame very difficult situations to come up with flying colours.
Efforts taken by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in setting up the high performance sports centres and sponsoring both men’s and women's hockey teams since 2018 translated into better performances by both the teams at Tokyo Olympics. The Chief Minister has earned country wide admiration for transforming the performance of men’s and women’s hockey teams. In recognition of their achievement and their potential to be the top teams in the world, the Chief Minister announced that Odisha will continue to sponsor Indian hockey teams, for another 10 years.
The State should also identify and promote raw talent from a tender age and provide them with the much needed support of international standards in terms of equipment, sports kit, coaching (team and individual) exposure and mental conditioning in order to nurture them for participation and podium finish at the international level.
Policies should be focussed more on encouraging the talent existing among poorer communities including tribal and Dalit communities as well as small farmer communities. Those belonging to fisher folk and boatman communities should in particular receive encouragement and training for aquatics,swimming, rowing sports while the talent of Adivasis should be identified for training in archery. Some circus artists' potential can be tapped for gymnastics. In particular encouragement should be given to those team sports like football which do not require extensive equipment. There should be adequate space for playing in cities and villages , particularly for school children. Where schools are some what cramped, arrangements for adequate spaces for playing should be made. There should be special emphasis right from early training days on team sports and encourage team spirits.
Trainers and sports schools which are sympathetic to the aspirations of sports students from weaker sections and provide them very encouraging conditions should be promoted. A "Sports mela" should be organised at village and district level for tapping talent across the State for different games. Selectors having national and State level stature should select the candidates. Inter- and intra-district sports competition on different games should be promoted. Besides, the Government needs to promote sports schools and colleges.
Sportspersons who bring laurels for the State need to be honoured and the Government should make concerted efforts for ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for all meritorious sportspersons. Apart from this, sports quota reservation in Government jobs for all medal winning athletes should be ensured.
The message to our young sports persons should be: Do one's best for the game and enjoy every moment of the game.
Above all, one should always play with the true spirit of sports as sports should always promote friendship.