I was rubbing my eyes in disbelief when I read about the work ethics of Pullela Gopi Chand and his famous wards (‘Sport’ – “I knew Sindhu had a medal in her: Gopi” and “A silver seven years in the making”, both Aug.21). It is only when there is single-minded dedication by both coach and player towards the task on hand that one reach the pinnacle of glory.
I would also like comment on the culture of rewards. The moment a sportsperson wins a medal in a high-profile tournament, there is a slew of announcements in the form of cash awards and job promotions. Instead, the aim should be to groom such players further by providing them the best coaching facilities and other crucial infrastructure. We also seem to think about the Olympic Games only when they are around the corner. The mad rush to achieve qualifying standards, irrespective of whether the athlete is a medal prospect or not, is why we end up putting up such a mediocre display.
C.M. Umanath,
Kozhikode
It hardly matters whether or not our athletes have performed to their full potential in the Rio Olympics. What is of concern is the manner in which many of our “star athletes” crashed out without even qualifying because of shocking reasons. In the instance of the Indian men’s 4x400 m relay team of Muhammed Kunju, Muhammed Anas, Dharun Ayyasamy and Rajiv Arokia, it was disqualified for incorrect change of baton during the anchor leg between Dharun and Rajiv. These cases only prove how our coaches are totally ill-prepared to handle the basics.
A.V. Narayanan,
Tiruchi
It is disappointing to see how people are relating P.V. Sindhu’s win to her being a woman. I don’t think this fact needs re-emphasis. She’s an athlete and that’s it. Respect her because of her hard work and achievement, and not because she’s a woman who belongs to India.
Yuvanshi Verma,
Gurgaon, Haryana
It is clear from the achievements by Sakshi Malik and P.V. Sindhu that India has plenty of latent talent. We have to hunt for these hidden jewels and nurture them from a young age. There has to be a renewed sporting policy and increased budgetary support. The Indian Olympic Association and other sporting bodies must be manned by experienced managers.
Rather than doling out tax-payers’ money to individual medal winners, we can spend the amount to develop existing infrastructure.
Gaurav Singhal,
Rewari, Haryana
One is no doubt proud of the medal winners but the focus seems to be only on individuals. We seem to have forgotten the importance of team games, in which India has fallen far behind the required global standards. Experts must now tour educational institutions and identify talent especially from rural India. Yuva kendras and sports associations have a huge role to play now in boosting the team concept.
S. Vairamani,
Kottaiyur, Tamil Nadu
