Olympics and India

It was a truly historic moment to see Abhinav Bhindra win a gold at the olympics.
But why has it taken so long for India to finally win an individual gold.

THIS
article from Saumya, was thought provoking as to what we Indians(who have excelled in all other sphere's) are lacking and what could be done to finally see some gold.

Here are my thoughts. I was going to leave comments on her blogsite but it was long enough to warrant a post.

What steps can be done to improve the state of sports in India:
In my opinion unless the incentive provided is lucrative enough, the interest in sports cannot develop. Just a railways job is not good enough....there have to be better college/school scholarship's. Instead of the n number of existing quotas we can actually have some good college scholarships based on sports.

In India the stress has always been on education....sports is never a viable option. Nowadays parents are becoming more aware and trying to channelise and making their kids all-rounders. But then again they are caught in this web of fierce competition....so after a while it will be you have to score better to secure an engineering seat etc. the cycle continues. So at some level this basic thinking has to change. That will happen only if there is a push with more incentives and encouragement for taking up sports as a career.

Privatising sports is a very good option. Most sports that are privatised, with money flowing in thru events etc have done quite decently. It will be more organised...less bureaucracy!! Take cricket for instance.

Third thing I feel is from the olympics perspective we have to take a check on our strengths ie which sports we are likely to succeed. Sport is a combination of strength/stamina/skill/team work in varying levels. I personally think India would do well in sports that need more of strength/skill. Take the case of China too, they do well in sports that involve more of skill/team work/strength say synchronised diving/badminton/gymnastics. They may not do as well as US in sports that involve pure stamina/speed like track and field. I feel they should identify the area's where they are more sure to find success and hone their skills in those area's. Not stereotyping, but it is just some nations/people maybe cut out for certain sports more than others. Maybe once they identify the areas they want to focus their energy on those. If it is privatised they could have international coaches for training in those sports alone.

Making the training/infrastructure more affordable at schools/college level is another way to generate the interest early on. Schools could have better track and field areas/swimming facilities/sports events.

While typing this blog I was reminded of the essays we used to write for school. :-)
Hope it doesn't remain an essay. Any inputs are most welcome.

2 words. Many thoughts

Since I have procastinated long enough and not posted anything. I took up Aparna's tag.
So read along...

I am: quite a balanced person most times. Atleast I think so ;-)
I think: I have come a long way from my carefree days to trying to be a responsible mom to my twosome.
I know: I can't have the cake and eat it too. and don't aim for it.
I have: more than everything I ever wanted.
I wish: there was a sure shot way to calm a toddler.
I hate: hypocrites/double standards. Being late
I miss: life in India/watching movies in the theater/window shopping.
I fear: bad news/roller coasters/snakes. In that order
I hear: the constant opening and closing of the restroom door. thanks to my cubicle positioning.
I smell: the air.
I crave: for some quiet time!!
I search: always on google :-)
I wonder: whats next in store for me. Also what to cook for dinner!!
I regret: giving up on my hobbies and also not keeping in touch with some old friends.
I love: my kids more than anything in the world. followed by hubby.
I ache: when my loved ones are in pain and I can't be of help.
I am not: a great conversationalist. it takes me a while to warm up in a big group!!
I believe: There is a silver lining to every cloud.
I dance: with 2 left feet. yup I'm that bad!!
I sing: very well. in my head that is!
I cry: very very rarely. But when I do....its hard to stop the water gate!
I fight: very less with my hubby these days ;-)
I win: most often he does!!
I lose: my temper and my purse very less these days. signs of progression towards patience/responsibility.
I never: forget to say a prayer!!
I always: end up procastinating
I confuse: myself very often !!
I listen: carefully to any advice offered and then decide on my own.
I can usually be found: cooking/watching tv in my free time.
I am scared: of losing my dear ones to an illness.
I need: a pep talk once in a way!!
I am happy about: life in general
I imagine: this post could have been funnier
I tag: anyone willing to take up