Chachu's Column #39: A billion mutinies and few baby steps

The headline news that continues to hog these days’ papers and magazine is the exploits of the Man with the Golden Gun – Abhinav Bindra. It was just another morning when I reached office, albeit late, when I opened Rediff.com for my daily dose of morning news and Oops! What did I saw? Abhinav Bindra strikes Gold in Shooting at the Olympics. I almost shrieked in joy - The first individual Olympic Gold medal. And one could remember where the baby steps had started. It was India's very own Davis Cup star and hard-core patriot Leander Peas, who won India a bronze medal in Tennis at Atlanta Games, 1996. In the next games held at Sydney in year 2000, India retained its medal haul of 1 bronze when Karnam Malleswari won the bronze with a total lift of 240 kg in the women's 69 kg weightlifting. The next year we went one step ahead and bagged silver again in shooting courtesy Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. So this time, it was in the fitness of things to go another step forward. However, Rathore could not match his previous exploits and it was left for the media shy and reticent Bindra to hit the bull’s eye. It was then to be followed by the exploits of boxers where three Indians were in fray in quarter finals and only one bout to win to be sure of medals. But among the battery of Kumars that were fighting, only Vijender Singh made the cut and bagged the bronze. And among others, out of nowhere, a wrestler by the name of Sushil Kumar too bagged a bronze. Then there were notable loosers who fought bravely, leading the pack being the shuttler Saina Nehwal who lost in the quarters. The tennis duo of Paes (still fighting for India even after 12 years) and Bhupathi lost to eventual champions Mr. Federer and company. The hockey team, which had only rich legacy behind, did not bother as they had even failed to qualify for the Olympics (- it being remembered that failure to qualify turned to be an event that was subsequently followed by dismissal of KPS Gill and company who had led and almost ruined Indian hockey).


Gold medal winner Bindra (top), Vijender (left) and Sushil (right)

So the three medals, one gold and two bronze, was a record for India. Among the three medal winners, only Bindra came from a very rich background where he could afford his own shooting range. The boxer and the wrestler came from non-descript backgrounds and it was heartening to see them strike it big. Thus, money was not the sole criteria in the path to success. The conduct and shenanigans of Indian officials and politicians after the victory was bizarre to say the least. The award for the boxers had started pouring even before their matches were over. The bronze winner boxer was running with the Indian flag after winning the quarter final match (having been assured of bronze and still waiting for semi-final bout). And the news channels went berserk seeing interviews of the family of the prize winners. Every one was falling over each other to appease the winners with cash prizes, free rail and air tickets et al. One always wondered how much the sports-officials really cared for the upliftment of sports. Was a post in administration just a source for realizing vested interests, to boss around the budding talent, to nurture a culture of nepotism and boot-licking or there was that genuine urge to develop the best talent and yet stay in the background?

Some politicians also announced boxing academies to promote sports. I wondered if we need such initiatives “before” or “after” the event. But then, what is now “after” the Olympics may in few years be “before”, and one would then like to see how things have really changed on the ground. Indeed it would be quite likely that the politicians who have announced these initiatives may themselves be not around (being dumped due to incumbency). However, if the seeds are well sown, then it was not imperative to constantly nurture the tree.


Bird’s nest in Beijing

Another aspect of this Olympics was the execution prowess of China in holding the games successfully. From the opening show till the finish and from the Bird’s nest to the swimming pools, China was unanimously awarded full marks for their administration. And when one compared this administrative supremacy of China with the pathetic state of affairs of Delhi’s roads, then one would shudder in fear. Readers may find this comparison weird, but fact of the matter is that within two years, India has to hold the 2010 Commonwealth games. And even though Delhi Government is taking some steps to prepare for the big event, the current state of Delhi road highlight the abysmal and pathetic state of affairs. Just a few showers of monsoons and the city is water logged, the drains are overflowing and there are pot holes so deep that even trucks and tractors overturn. And if this was not the end of misery, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi took a vow that in 10 days it would fill all potholes. And in the ten days indeed the foot-deep potholes have disappeared only to be filled by broken bricks, cement, mud and all primordial techniques one could conceive.


Runner Bold and Magical Swimmer Phelps

Seeing such dismal state, I always ask this basic question: How can a nation win Olympic medals when its roads are not perfect? Are roads and medals comparable? I believe yes! Olympics are nothing but a statement of perfection - statement by Michael Phelps that he would win eight gold medals in the Games and he indeed turns out and does so; statement by Ussain Bolt that he would break world records and he indeed does so by winning three golds in athletics; the statement of perfection by those participating in diving, gymnastics and so many other sports, where a wrong landing here would possibly mean end of the road. And here in Delhi, the capital of the country, we have roads that cause large scale damage to cars and even fatal accidents. Given this, it is not the Indian society that is breeding winners and perfectionists. If at all there are few winners, then they are those who rise above these social barriers by their individual grit and determination to stand on the podium. Collectively, for the society as a whole, perfection is still miles away -
- perfection while driving and overtaking - perfection during public dealings - perfection in buildings, roads, bridges and airports - perfection in selecting talent for international events - perfection in handling court cases and criminal cases.

When as a nation, we the citizens of India shall seek and deliver perfection in various aspects of life, then sports shall become a by-product, a habit and medals shall follow. And when that shall happen, then leaders shall not jump over the roof tops to dole out goodies to the winners. A warm hug and a strong handshake would be suffice and may be few words “Well Done!”

Chachu, 1 September, 2008
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Edited Comments on Chachu's Column #38: Chachu at IPL
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1. Shivom said...

Great post, nice to see the pics of the Epsilon team, very nostalgic for all ex-team members :)
7:37 AM

2. Pilot-Pooja said...

Very nicely captured pics!! A great read for the Epsilon guys who missed this golden opportunity!
4:58 PM

3. Shantanu Goel said...

Thats so cool. I don't know if you remember me sir (most prbbly not), but i'd have just loved to be there with my ex-epsilon-team-mates. And never knew you had such a great fervor for writing. Will make sure to come back here often :)

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