At least spare ‘the field of sports’ from politics

The recent wrestlers’ agitation in the country’s capital Delhi was expected to be discussed at the national level, especially from the opponents. And this was pertinent looking at the efforts that are currently being taken by this congregation to rake up issues in the country to try and trap Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. Now under the guise of this agitation, they are trying to achieve their desired mileage. This only shows how bigoted they are.

 

    Over the last 9 years, it has almost become a custom to criticize the Modi government in the most atrocious and awful language. In fact, there seems to be a competition as to who outsmarts the other in the use of such disgusting language. The habitual ‘critics’ at the national level definitely took up this big-time opportunity to trap the Modi government under the guise of these wrestlers. They resorted to all the available means to politicize this agitation.

     The protesting wrestlers held talks with union home minister Amit Shah and union sports minister Anurag Thakur and after this discussion, it was decided to suspend the agitation till June 15. Both the ministers decided that their demands and complaints will be redressed within the framework of law, court and the police system and within a stipulated time frame. At this juncture, I do not wish to delve into what the state of affairs or their demands were. What I intend is to highlight the decisions that were taken by the Modi government over the last 9 years to promote sports culture in India, thus trying to bring out world-class athletes from our country.

    Veteran sportspersons like P.T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, Anjali Bhagwat, Kapil Dev and others have acknowledged and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiatives to encourage the players. They have also appreciated the steps taken by the Modi government to produce quality sportspersons. In fact, it was the Modi government that took the initiative to curb politicization and nepotism in the field of sports. It was his government only that tried to create a healthy sports culture among young sportspersons.

    Let us look at a few examples of how the attitude towards the field of sports has chngesd over the last 9 years of Modi’s governance. P.T .Usha was appointed as the president of the Indian Olympic Association. It was for the first time in its 95-year history that the Olympic Association got an athlete of international stature as its president. This Association was looming under dirty politics of factionalism and in all possibility, it was also about to lose its recognition. But now, with P.T. Usha’s appointment, it is hoped that there will be no politics in this Association and sportspersons who have the zest will get due chance and recognition.

    After the defeat of the women’s hockey team in the match for bronze medal in 2020 Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had interacted with these players over the phone. The entire nation witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words of praise for these women players. He had said, “More than winning the game, it was important that we enjoyed watching you play as much as you enjoyed playing it.” He had also interacted with all the athletes before they left for the Olympics. He knew exactly how many players were going to represent India and who all were accompanying them. They were also invited to Janpath for the Independence Day celebration.

    The reason I narrated this incident is to emphasize how Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked towards uplifting the importance of our sportspersons. Through his small actions, he has always emphasized that these players are equally special for the country.

    Athletes who win medals are announced cash prizes. Earlier, it wasn’t easier for the players to receive the cash reward immediately after it was announced. But today, they receive it immediately after it is announced. In fact, Indian sport shooter Anjali Bhagwat had also openly recalled how players in the past had to pursue with the central government to receive the cash reward. But today, on Prime Minister’s insistence, the sportspersons receive the cash reward on time.

    Through ‘Chai Pe Charcha’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with many senior players who gave their perspective on why Indian players lag behind in the international arena. The central government’s ‘Khelo India’ initiative is a result of these interactions.

    Today, better infrastructure is being built for athletes at the venues where these competitions are being held. Broadcast of these competitions is done live through the national television. Not only are competitions organized for these players but care is also taken to ensure that they have access to the centres of their choice. Also, it is ensured that money directly reaches the centre in order to equip them to prepare these players in the sport of their choice.

     From the scholarships given under the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, these players get a fixed amount every month to buy the material they need and also to spend on their food. This money is directly credited to the player’s bank account. India got athletes like Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker through this ‘Khelo India’ initiative only. In one of the articles, ace runner Anju Bobby George also praised the changes brought about by the ‘Khelo India’ initiative.

    The Modi government started sports universities across the country. Athletes participating in Paralympic events never received much publicity. But Prime Minister Modi interacted with these players and praised them. It was for the first time that the sportspersons were interacting with a Prime Minister. From these seemingly small gestures, Prime Minister Modi sent a message that all athletes must be treated with respect.

    1983 Cricket World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev, in his column in the daily ‘Statesman’, had said, “A Prime Minister or a Chief Minister meeting and appreciating athletes who have won medals is not new but when Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoles the athletes who failed to win a medal and appreciates their efforts, it definitely boosts their morale and encourages the players.” I think this can be considered as a representative opinion from the sports fraternity.

    Through his ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Modi had appealed to the countrymen to support the athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics by using #Cheer4India which got a huge response. Cricket has always received fame and popularity. But through these initiatives, Prime Minister Modi etched that the government indeed supports the entire sports fraternity as well.

    Now with regard to the current demands of wrestlers, action is being taken in accordance with the legal provisions. We are indeed fortunate to have received a Prime Minister who sensitises with the pains and sufferings of the people, even the sportspersons. His government has never politicized the field of sports. It has and will always continue to make determined efforts to produce players of international standards. It is, thus, our duty to support Modi government in its endeavour.

 

(Article Pre-Published in Times of India Online – 12 June 2023)

Keshav Upadhye, Chief Spokesperson