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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Chachu’s Column #14: Of Role Models and Roads Ahead

As Indian contingent struggles it out at Busan Asiad, and as medals come only in a trickle, a peep in the history of Indian sports provides hope for the future. Providing this hope is an array of ex-players, who had excelled in their respective discipline in the yesteryears, and who now strive to make future world champions for India. Two such stars that deserve special mention are the former Badminton World Champion Prakash Padukone and the Golden Girl P.T. Usha.

Prakash Padukone is arguably the greatest Badminton player India has ever produced. Prakash was the national champion for most of the nineteen seventies. But it was in the year of 1980 that he found his Midas touch when he won the All England Badminton Championships, thereby becoming the first Indian to do so. In the very next year, Padukone won the World Cup also. While Padukone could not repeat such performances, he remained one of India's best Sporting stars in the early eighties. After his retirement, Prakash felt a strong urge to continue his legacy and produce more stars for the country. From his dreams and aspirations took birth the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA). Established in 1994 at Bangalore, the Academy has now become a full-fledged sports school. It takes care of all necessities of the trainees offering them boarding, lodging, coaching, equipment and other requirements. The selection is based on merit and is done mainly for the young age group. The endeavor is to catch them young so that the trainees become future Padukone. The effort proved to be truly worthwhile when one of the protégé of the Academy, P. Gopichand, won the All England Badminton Championship in 2001. (Ironically, amongst this success story there lies that prototypal Indian phenomenon of bureaucratic interference and politics in sports. While Asian Games is currently underway, it is reported that Gopichand is still waiting for official clearance so that he can take part in the Asian Games and bring laurels for the country).

On similar lines, India's Golden Girl P. T. Usha too has opened Usha School of Athletics at Koyilandy, in Kerala's Kozhikode district. Her ambition is see an Indian on the victory podium of the 2008 Olympic Games. (Her desire to see an Indian win an Olympic medal stems from her own failure to win the bronze medal at Los Angeles Olympics (1984) by one- hundredth of a second. The disappointment at the Olympics, which was in some sense a landmark for Indian sports, was actually her biggest regret in a sporting career spanning fifteen long years. )

Like her sporting career, building the School was not without heartburns and severe perseverance. Usha sought help from various quarters, including government bodies, large corporates and celebrities. Many refused but few did help. Eventually, the dream bore fruit and the School commenced operation in May, 2002. The initial set of trainees includes young children in their pre-teens or early teens. The school bears all the expenses the cost of all students. Efforts are made to ensure that money does not play spoil-sport in the success of a potential superstar, many of whom leave sports for commercial and other considerations. When complete, the Usha School of Athletics will have with an eight lane 400 metre track, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a school, an office and hostel accommodation for the students. Help and financial support is now coming from various quarters. Thanks to Usha's determination, Indian athletics is looking a new future, whose first chapter is being written by the golden girl who burnished India's image in the international athletics arena during her time.

Chachu (5/10/2002)

Web Resources
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http://www.tamil.com/rasigar/ptusha.htm (On P. T.Usha)
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/05/29/stories/2002052904391800.htm
(On Usha's School of Athletics)
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/20spec.htm (On Usha's School of Athletics)
http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/court/9595/aboutus.htm
(Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy)

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Chachu's Column #12: Of Sporting Stars "Dhanraj" and "Dravid"

Strange are the ways of the world. A man is awarded the best player in a tournament that is one of the premier international tournaments. But this achievement doesn't even find a mention in the leading newspapers. On the other hand, a double century scored in a drawn match in a drawn series gets front-page news and photograph. This is step motherly treatment to the former. But then who said life is fair.

So in this unfair world, let us stop innuendoes and come to the point. The 24th Champions trophy hockey concluded recently at Cologne, Germany. The event generated lot of interest among Indians because India was taking part in the tournament after a gap of many years. Champions trophy is a annual hockey tournament in which only top six teams of the world take part. Given the fact that only the best fight for the trophy, the event is viewed to be more exalted than the World Cup or Olympics. This time Germany, Holland, Australia, Pakistan, Korea, and India were the teams in fray. India’s best performance in the tournament till date was a bronze medal, that too two decades back. Given the strong opposition and an unfavorable pedigree, a good performance in the tournament meant a lot to India, a team that was trying its best to be back among the best.

The prelude to the tournament couldn't have been worse for India. India came last in the four nation Rabobank hockey tournament held at Amstelveen, Holland fews days before Champions trophy. The tournament was won by hosts Holland followed by Australia and Korea. Since all the three teams were taking part in Champions trophy (besides Germany and Pakistan), a last position at this tournament meant that India's chances in Champions trophy too were very slim.

However, in a remarkable turnaround, the first match saw India drawing against Holland 3-3, a team to which it had lost 2-5 only days back. India could have even won the match had it not conceded a last minute goal. Conceding last minutes goals became India's bane as this disturbing feature continued till its last match. In the next match, India repeated its mistake to lose to Germany 2-3. Germany on the other hand showed remarkable fighting strength and won 3-2 against India, Pakistan, and Australia by scoring last minute goals.

A solitary point in two matches did not augur well for India. The team that stood last was relegated from tournament and a new team was given chance. If India was relegated, it would have to wait for many years to gain entry. India's fortunes changed when in the next match it won 3-2 against Australia. But this win was not without its tensed moments as India conceded many penalty corners in the dying moments. Only a great goal keeping by Divesh Chauhan helped India maintain its lead. In the next match too, India continued its good form and won 3-2 against archrivals Pakistan.
With seven points from four matches, India had an outside chance of qualifying for the finals. But the calculation, as usually happens with India, did not prove favorable and the result of the next two matches meant that Germany and Holland qualified for the final. In an inconsequential match against Korea, India lost 2-4 in its last league match.

In the final standings after the league stage, India and Pakistan came third and fourth respectively to set up the bronze medal clash. Since India had won the first match, I had a gut feeling that India would lose this time. However, some fine conversions meant India leading 3-1 against Pakistan till the 53rd minute. But the lament that India lacks killer instinct proved to be true as India allowed Pakistan to score three goals in a matter of just five minutes. And from a score line of 3-1, much to the dismay and nightmare of Indian hockey fan, the scoreline read 3-4 after five minutes. The score line remained the same till the end as the hooter saw Pakistan fans cheering the victory of their team when it mattered most. "India loses when it mattered most" was what the next day's headlines screamed.

Coming to the analysis, I found India's shedding some of its perennial problems. The trapping of hockey ball was quite good and some of the counter attacks were breathtaking, especially the last goal against Holland. The passes were also short and quick. Penalty corner conversion was also decent with stars Jugraj Singh and Dilip Tirkey coming good on several occasions. Forwards Gagan Ajit Singh and Sandeep Thathur also showed lot of promise. The fact that most of the members were young and below twenty-two years of age implied that India is building a young hockey team that can serve India for many years.

However, the problem areas still remain; the biggest being the inability to consolidate upon lead and to come under heavy pressure from the opposition. The discipline was also lacking, especially in the last match against Korea. The highlight of India's foray in the competition was the award of "Best Player of the tournament" to India's mercurial forward Dhanraj Pillay. His ability to beat at least two or three defenders was a sight to watch. Now, that he is reaching 35, it is time the youngsters took his mantle and carry the responsibility forward. The tragic part of the award was that it was left for Dhanraj to proclaim himself in a featured article in Times of India that he authors that he had won the coveted award. All this happened while Dravid's double ton at Oval and ICC contract row hogged most of the
attention and front page news. For once I do not wish to glorify the double century and let the talking on cricket to be done by someone else.
Chachu (11/9/2002)

Chachu's Column #11: Of Commonwealth, Asian and Olympic Games

A sudden Euphoria has gripped Indian sporting arena. First it was Lords where two young lads, Kaif and Yovraj, led India to a sensational victory in the Natwest Trophy. Not only the victory ended India's drought of umpteenth final loss, it also made India register their highest second innings winning score. (The subsequent loss in the First test against England and the last-day fight back to save the Second test notwithstanding, Indian cricket team is now viewed as a candidate to lift the World Cup). Then, the Indian Football team won the LG cup held in Vietnam a week back. This was the first major tournament win for the football team in three decades; this augurs well for the future.

If this was not enough, the Indian Contingent picked up a rich of haul of medals to come third in the recently concluded Seventeenth Commonwealth games held at Manchester. Leading the pack were the shooting stars Jaspal Rana (4 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 bronze) and Anjali (Vedpathak) Bhagwat (4Golds). Apart from these two, there were many others shooters who contributed to the Indian kitty, enabling India to collect 14 Golds from shooting. Then there were weightlifters, mainly women, who helped India collect 13 Golds from the event. N Kunjarani Devi, Sanamacha Chanu, and Shailaja Pujari made a clean sweep in Clean and Jerk, Snatch and Overall categories to pick three Golds apiece. Pratima Kumari and Sateesh Rai also picked two golds each. Three gold in wrestling, one in Boxing, and one in Women's hockey enabled India to come third overall with 32 Gold, 21 Silver, and 19 Bronze. This was a vast improvement from the showing in previous Commonwealth games held at Kuala Lampur in 1998. There, India had come eighth and had managed 25 medals including 7 golds.

Among the medal winners, the most commendable performance came from India's Women hockey team. The Indian team won the Gold facing stiff opposition from highly fancied teams like Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa. Despite the strong opposition, Indian team overcame all obstacles to win in a rather dramatic fashion. In the finals, the teams were tied 2-2 at full time. In the extra time, the lanky forward Mamta Kharab scored through a rebound in penalty corner after the hooter had blown. The referee disallowed the goal. Now, as per the rules, the penalty is not complete till the ball is out of D. As the ball was within the D, play was on despite the hooter having blown. Thus, the technical team awarded the goal to India, much to the delight of India contingent. The fighting spirit was not limited to the final. Even in the league stage, India was down 3-0 against South Africa. However, in a remarkable comeback India overcame the deficit and eventually defeated South Africa 4-3 to enter semis. In semis too, India were down by 1-0 against New Zealand. But in that match too, the team came from behind to defeat New Zealand 2-1. Overall, it was a remarkable performance and the Men's hockey team could take a leaf from their women counterpart. You may wonder what happened to the Men's team in Commonwealth games. The answer is that they could not qualify for the tournament as only one team qualified from Asia, and that team was Pakistan because of their better performance in Sydney Olympics.

The glory of the rich haul of medals was however marred by the positive dope test of 62 kg lifter Krishnan Madasamy, who was stripped of three silver medals. There were also reports that another weightlifter, Sateesh Rai, was tested positive. This report was not confirmed though.

In the media, there has been speculation as to what this achievement at Commonwealth games implies ¾ Whether this performance will be repeated in the Asian Games, which is to be held at Busan later this year ¾ Whether Indian athletes can match the skill, stamina and speed of nimble-footed Korean, Chinese and Japanese, the three sporting superpowers in Asia. While the debate will continue till Indians prove or disprove the critics the wrong, there is no denying the fact that the haul has brought rich financial gains. The Indian Government announced a cash award of 20lakhs for Gold, 15lakhs for Silver and 10lakhs for Bronze medal. Such prize money implies that some of the winning athletes (like Jaspal Rana) will pick more than a crore of rupee. Given the poor monetary rewards that have traditionally accompanied sporting success, such handsome payouts will go a long way in making sports as a lucrative career.

If reports are to be believed, the Indian Government has also announced a prize money of 1crore for anyone winning a gold at Olympics to be held in Athens, 2004. This is a huge amount, and many organizations including the Army and the railway men have started preparing for the Olympics. Historically, the performance of India in Olympics has been abysmal. With a population of 1 billion, there is that oft-lamented refrain that even 1 billion people cannot bag an Olympic Gold. Till now, no Indian individual has bagged more than a Bronze medal. In team events, the Indian Hockey team has won many a gold medals, including six consecutive Gold medals in years 1928, 1932, 1936, 1940, 1952, and 1956. After that, India again won Gold in 1964 and 1980. However, after 1980, Indian hockey has failed to retain its premier position that it once occupied.

In the Individual events, Norman Pritchard, an Anglo-Indian from Calcutta, was the first Indian athlete ever to win an Olympic medal. He won silver in the 200 metres sprint and 200 metres hurdles events in 1900 Olympics. However, his name hardly finds a mention in various discussions. Post-independence, the first Indian to win a medal was the wrestler K D Jadhav. Jadhav won a bronze medal, in the bantamweight category in 1952 Olympics at Helsinki, Finland. After that, India had to wait for 44 years for another individual medal. This time, 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. Apart from Jadhav, Leander, and Malleswari, when it is Olympics, only two other Indians find a mention. The first of them is Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh who finished fourth in a photofinish in the Rome Olympics in 1960. The other Indian is, who else, but Payolli Express P. T. Usha who finished fourth in 400 meters race by one-hundredth of a second at Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Apart from these handful of athletes, hardly any other Indian has made his/her presence felt. What the 2004 Olympics at Athens holds for India, only time can tell. But it is not too optimistic to believe that India just might better its performance of 1996 and 2000 Olympics. And if not Olympics, the Busan Asiad might just be the platform where the Indian sporting flag flies high.
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Chachu (13/8/2002)