Former stars urge continuous Olympic preparation: Time to wake up!
Kolkata: Former Olympians and sports personalities in India emphasise that preparation for the Olympics must be a continuous endeavour, rather than a last-minute rush as the games approach. At a panel discussion titled "In search of glory: India's prospects in the 2024 Olympics" organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, several prominent figures shared their insights.
Gurbux Singh, a celebrated hockey icon who won gold in 1964 and bronze in 1968, stressed the need for fostering a robust sports culture among the youth. He lamented the prevalent attitude where attention to sports peaks only during the Olympics, urging for a shift towards sustained efforts throughout the year. Singh highlighted the lack of sporting infrastructure in educational institutions and the common parental preference for non-sporting vocations as barriers that need addressing.
Dipa Karmakar, the gymnast who narrowly missed a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, echoed Singh's sentiment. She emphasised the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving sporting success, recalling moments of adversity she faced in her career. Karmakar urged aspiring athletes, especially girls, to turn challenges into opportunities and strive to make their country proud despite any obstacles.
Soma Biswas, a heptathlon sensation, emphasised the transformation needed in aspiring athletes' mindsets—from merely dreaming of Olympic participation to believing in their ability to win medals, including gold.
Pravin Thipsay, a prominent chess player, acknowledged India's rising status as a chess superpower and advocated for greater recognition of individual achievements in sports like chess. He discussed the potential inclusion of chess in future Olympics, highlighting the sport's global participation and the initiatives proposed by figures like Gary Kasparov.
Rahul Banerjee, an ex-Olympian archer, spoke about the importance of resilience in sports, emphasising that both success and failure should be embraced openly as part of the journey.
Overall, the consensus among these experts is clear: India's approach to the Olympics must evolve into a sustained, year-round effort that nurtures talent, builds infrastructure, and promotes a culture where sporting achievements are celebrated consistently. The panellists emphasised the need for broader support from states and society to empower aspiring athletes, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, and to ensure that India can compete at the highest levels in global sporting events. They believe that with continuous preparation and a shift in mindset, India can significantly improve its prospects in future Olympic games, achieving greater success on the global stage. PTI