The Olympic fiasco proved precisely why a billion of us celebrate our cricketers, who have brought consistent glory to our nation in the form of world cups, no 1 ranking, world records etc. The rest of them, with a few exceptions like Saina, Sania, Bhupathi, Dipa and Bindra, are nowhere near world standard. Look at someone like Paes. He plays politics all the time, turns up when he wants in Rio, came in the way of Bopanna Myneni partnership, and now says wants to set a new record in Tokyo playing as a 45 year old! Hope he is never selected again. And then the hockey players..they have their own league, lots of sponsors. Plus Tatas and Ambanis have pumped so much money into indian sport, but to what use? BCI is rich of course, but its the players desire and talent that makes them win matches. We need the killer instinct of a Virat in our sportsperson. Only then we can hope to retunr home with atleast a few medals. Lets stop pampering our sportspersons!
Re: Our Cricketers are our true heroes!!
by nisha thoas on Aug 15, 2016 02:08 PM
sandeep, Brilliantly said! I remember our cricketers losing to windies in the semis, and primarily due to overstepping, but still they did not use that as an excuse. In constrast, we had our archers blaming the wind, a badminton player blaming knee and what not. No wonder we are glued to our tv sets when cricket is on..as its the only sport where we can proudly hold our heads high, and in which we have the best player in Virat. By contrast millions have been poured into other sports, bigwig corporates are supporting it, we have isl, ibl but still..end result in NIL. I guess ms.De was not far away from the mark with her comments
The Olympic fiasco proved precisely why a billion of us celebrate our cricketers, who have brought consistent glory to our nation in the form of world cups, no 1 ranking, world records etc. The rest of them, with a few exceptions like Saina, Sania, Bhupathi, Dipa and Bindra, are nowhere near world standard. Look at someone like Paes. He plays politics all the time, turns up when he wants in Rio, came in the way of Bopanna Myneni partnership, and now says wants to set a new record in Tokyo playing as a 45 year old! Hope he is never selected again. And then the hockey players..they have their own league, lots of sponsors. Plus Tatas and Ambanis have pumped so much money into indian sport, but to what use? BCI is rich of course, but its the players desire and talent that makes them win matches. We need the killer instinct of a Virat in our sportsperson. Only then we can hope to retunr home with atleast a few medals. Lets stop pampering our sportspersons!
It not only the sports personnel but govt is equally to blame. I remember since 1964 ,this time over our contingent was the worst managed by govt. Olympics Chinese recommendations on our poor performance should be taken seriously'. Lets look dispassionately,what incentive MS Mirza and Miss Nehwal had been left with? They have enough wealth( thanks ads ),fame( thanks to govt for highest premature awards ) and name.Govt may consider--a) Sports miniseries should resign for double fault b) Ban IPL cricket for 4 years. c)No one should be able buy a team of the discipline not played at Olympics d) No quota in games in any form. e)National highest award be given only the Olympic/ World level medal winners. f) start reparation today.
Only feeling bad for Dipa. She is the only serious performer in this edition of Olympics. Standard of Indian hockey is always not consistent. BUT I FEEL VERY GOOD THAT SANIA-BOPANNA LOST. Both of them played dirty politics in Tennis with Bhupathi which cost India a medal.
Re: India in Olympics
by sandeep kumar on Aug 15, 2016 01:57 PM
It was Paes who is singularly responsible. Showing up when he likes in Rio...not bothering to practise. Chasing records, and now he says he wants to play in Tokyo too
Re: Re: India in Olympics
by abhirup on Aug 15, 2016 02:09 PM
Paes has the capability to bring medals which he had done before but the rest 3 are hopeless & they are not even match with Paes shoes.
This article only highlights one side that the Indian sportsmen didn't get any medals, but they are competing with the best in the world. It tells you the state of sports other than cricket in India, I hope the concerned minister looks into the issues rather than than downfall. Ms.De comments are just an opinion, i know sportsmen who are involved hardly have anytime left beyond the sport.
What she ssaid about our sportspersonss is absolutely wrong. All have participated only after achieving the qualification mark, and some have also performed creditably even if they have not got any medals. It is easy for anyone to indulge in armchair criticism but let such persons prove themselves qualified to indulge in such criticism.
Re: Shobhaa De's comments
by achukatla basha on Aug 15, 2016 09:59 AM
Selfie sportsmen no passion see vietnam thailand puerto rico self le le ray by Indian Olympians
Yes Dipa did very well and best wishes to her in future. However her comments that her efforts were more praiseworthy than other contestants was unnecesaary. There are many Hockey playing countries for example who started later than India are now dominating the scene. Also the moment an athlete feels satisfied with his or her work will mark the end of progress of the athlete.
Dipa should put the things achieved so far as 'past' and concentrate in future without wasting words.
Dipa is the only athlete, who has done fabulous work. Those who were fighting for Khel Ratna and other awards are biting dust. Their self egos are bigger than representing country. If Govt. is proposing to stop annual increment for employees performing low, the same yardstick may be adopted for athletes. That will only bring professionalism in sports. Cricket is blamed for all ills in other sports. But when Indian team win over West Indies it brings lots of pride to all Indians. It may be played between fewer countries. Incentive and accountability will bring professionalism in sports. Jai Hind.
