India and Asian Games

India caught napping as Asian Games arrive
Dear Editor, Barely two weeks are left for the commencement of the Asian Games at Doha. While most of the countries have finalized their list of participants, India is yet to finalize it. As a result, athletes who are still undergoing training are not sure whether they would be part of the team. Such uncertainties, even at the last moment, would have an adverse effect on the performance of the players. We Indians have an uncanny knack of doing everything at the eleventh hour.Most of our sports organizations are headed either by politicians or by retired bureaucrats. Though the bodies they head have not shown an iota of improvement for decades they continue to hold their positions for years together. India is perhaps the only country where mediocrity and non-performance is rewarded!A few days ago some senior players of the Indian hockey team were unceremoniously removed. Adding insult to injury, the chief coach was told that his term would end after the Asiad. Was it necessary to make the announcement at this stage which would only demoralize the coach and the players? So long as veteran sports officials rule the roost our sports scenario would remain gloomy.There is no point in spending crores of rupees for organizing international sports events unless we are able to make some improvements in the standard of sports in the country. Otherwise a country which represents 1/6th of the world population would become a laughing stock in the eyes of tiny nations.Nevertheless let us fervently hope that our dedicated athletes would keep the Indian flag flying at Doha. Winning against heavy odds would always be sweet and millions of Indian sports lovers across the globe would salute our brave athletes.-

E.M. Adithyan,

Elangalloor Mana,Edapal, Kerala.