INDIA'S GOLD QUEST

The Olympic Games are a global stage where nations showcase their competitive prowess, and the recent performances of Indian athletes have sparked a much-needed discourse on the state of sports in the world's largest democracy. India's dismal showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a meagre rank of 64th among participating nations, has exposed the systemic weaknesses that have long plagued the country's sports ecosystem.

At the heart of this issue lies a profound lack of a comprehensive sports policy and governance structure. As the Constitution of India delegates the responsibility of sports to state governments (Entry 33, State List in Schedule VII), the administration of sports has become a fragmented and often politically driven endeavour. The absence of a unified, transparent, and accountable system has allowed for the proliferation of corruption, nepotism, and a "chalta hai" (lackadaisical) attitude, which have stifled the development of sports talent in India.

The challenges faced by Indian sports are multifaceted. The distribution of sporting facilities is often driven by political agendas, with little regard for the actual needs and aspirations of local athletes. Appointment of coaches and the nurturing of young talent are also plagued by non-transparent and politically manipulated processes. Furthermore, the rampant allegations of sexual harassment within sports associations have created an environment that is antithetical to the inclusive and empowering nature of sports.

To address these systemic issues, India must take a holistic and legislative approach. First and foremost, the country needs to enact a comprehensive sports policy that outlines clear guidelines, accountability mechanisms, and a decentralized governance structure. This policy should encompass measures to identify and nurture young talent, provide equitable access to sporting infrastructure, and ensure the transparent and merit-based selection of coaches and administrators.

Secondly, the government must strengthen the role of independent regulatory bodies, such as the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Law and Welfare Association of India, to oversee the administration of sports and address issues of corruption and misconduct. These organizations should be empowered to enforce strict codes of conduct, implement robust grievance redressal systems, and promote a culture of integrity and professionalism within the sports ecosystem.

The integration of sports into the curriculum and the creation of accessible grassroots-level programs can help cultivate a nationwide passion for sports, leading to the discovery and development of a diverse pool of talent. The National Education Policy has made sports a core activity in schools. But the mandated budget of USD 200-1,200 per school per annum is too little to make a meaningful impact.

The nation needs to create an accelerated career development programme for at least 10,000 identified youngsters from across the country. The government must also invest in upgrading and maintaining sporting infrastructure, ensuring that athletes have access to world-class facilities and resources. Each of these athletes should be put through a rigorous 10,000 hour practice schedule and paid a minimum income per month. Regional sports councils should also be empowered to adjudicate on matters related to sports. China’s sports schools are a great model India can emulate.

A digital records system should be implemented for record keeping and tracking. A monthly update should be made available to the trainees on where they stand vis-à-vis the global best. Ideally a country of India’s stature should figure amongst the top-five in rankings across sports events globally. A nation with the 4th largest economy can’t be seen languishing at rank 64 on any global platform.

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