If the country puts up a dismal performance in sports, there are many to blame it on the government and the lack of encouragement for sports. But how encouraging are we towards students who actively participate in sports? Do sports quota students feel discriminated against in class? Is there a notion that they are poor in academics and easily wade through their course due to the quota benefits?
All the sports quota students The Hindu EducationPlus spoke to said they would pursue sports even after they complete their studies. Here are the perspectives of some of the students.
Karthik C.A., second year B.Com, Jain College
Being a sports quota student, I do get preferences. If classmates ever had issues with the flexibility I enjoy they never expressed it. Teachers are very encouraging and they help me. Generally the teaching faculty is understanding towards me. If we are doing badly in any subject, we are given special classes to cope up. I don’t find a lot of time to study, but whenever I get time I study.
Sachin M.R., first year BBM, Presidency College
I get a lot of advantages. My classmates do seem to feel jealous because while they have to get up to 75 per cent attendance, I can get by with 50 per cent. When there are matches or tournaments I get extra time to submit my assignments. If I get less marks in exam teachers do complain, but otherwise they are helpful. I haven’t experienced any problems from my faculty since I score average.
Abhishek R.V., first year B.Com, St. Joseph College
When my classmates came to know that I got admission through sports quota they were doubtful if I deserved the admission. But later they came to know that I have done well in sports and worked hard for it, they then they didn’t have any issues with it. No one has a problem with the privileges I get. They know that I play for the college and bring glory to the institution. I didn’t have any problem in academics, but I’m certain that if I did, some faculty members will surely point it out. I am a good student and score up to 80 per cent and since I manage sports and studies I also get appreciated.
Vanitha V.R., final year, LL.B., M.S. Ramaiah Law College
I got admission through the sports quota but my classmates had high regards for it. They were encouraging and happy about it. I do have flexibility in terms of attendance but that does not mean I can get away with assignments. Many of my classmates do complain in a jovial manner. They say it is unfair but they understand that it is for a cause. Now I have been selected for the Indian women’s cricket team for the T-20 World Cup.
Anuradha Sahu, first year, B.Ed, R.V. Teachers College
Talent differs, some are good at academics and some are good at sports. Sports quota is just an asset for those who excel in that field. It sets a platform for those who are good at it. We are given support from the institution through scholarships. This gives us an opportunity to perform well in academics. It also gives financial support to some of the students. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong in giving admission through this quota. They are also deserving candidates.
Siyanti Mitra, final year, B.Sc (Biotechnology), Christ University
Sports is a strength for those who come through this quota, so it’s a good thing. I react in a positive manner towards my classmates from the sports quota. The students who are active in sports may need to go out of the city for tournaments or for extra practice which other students don’t do. They dedicate their extra time to sports for which this flexibility is necessary. If they excel in sports and are given privileges then that’s totally fair.
There are many students doing great in studies and are good at sports too. May be they give more priority to sports but still manage to score well which, in fact, shows they are better than other students.
