Today, June 23, is International Olympic Day. The occasion marks the day when International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 and it is observed every year to celebrate sports and health as well as spread the importance of games in life. Unfortunately, the world had to wait for one more year to witness the spectacular sporting extravaganza – the Olympics – due to the unprecedented pandemic that forced the International Olympic Committee to postpone the Tokyo games 2020. The much awaited event is all set to begin commencement next month. The ongoing pandemic may have disrupted the games but not the sporting spirit. Athletes from around the world will converge in Japan, come July, and compete with the best to win medals not just for themselves but for their countries. However, India’s record at the Olympics has been dismal so far despite her population advantage. It is to be seen how many medals India will bring home when the Tokyo games conclude in August; and it won’t be surprising if the country doesn’t win many medals this time too. But if we are to go by what the lawmakers had assured and if their words are turned into action, India could become a sporting powerhouse within a decade.
India’s target is ambitious. Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier said that the country would work towards competing for a finish in the top 10 at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and that ‘Target Olympic Podium Junior Scheme’ had been initiated to scout talents as young as 10 years to achieve that ambitious target. He said that reforms would be brought about from coaching to providing facilities. Closer home in Nagaland, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports had recently said that the state is working towards producing Olympians for the 2028 games in Los Angeles, for which the government had started training young sportspersons in three disciplines -- archery, boxing and wrestling – and would continue to identify young talents. Now, many might ask the big question: Is it achievable?
The answer is No if the government doesn’t turn their words into action like in several past instances. But if the government is serious, nothing is unachievable and no dream is too big. Nagaland had produced Dr. Talimeren Ao, the first captain of India's National Football Team at the 1948 London Olympics. After a gap of 64 years, Chekrovolu Swuro represented India in archery at the 2012 London Olympic Games. It has already been 9 years since Swuro participated at the Olympics. The wait for the next Olympian should not be stretched further. It takes a lot of sacrifice, hard work, perseverance, discipline and determination to compete at the highest level and become a world champion by beating the best. Sportspersons need to imbibe these qualities to win and draw inspiration from the fact that many from poverty-stricken nations have excelled in sports. The government on its part should provide good infrastructure and come up with a consistent support system. And catch Olympians young.