As the CWG enters its second half, Indian sports too is entering a new age. While maintaining its dominance in sports like wrestling, archery and (unlikely for a poor country) shooting, Indian athletes are also providing reason for cheer in hitherto weak disciplines like swimming and gymnastics. Credit goes to all the individual sports federations and governing bodies who are working hard to grow our capabilities in these areas. In a country crazy for cricket, another heartening fact is that these successes are coming from those countless small towns and villages dotting the country, not just from the swanky metros. Undoubtedly, the road to Olympic glory passes through our heartland.
Most youngsters today might not get what the big hullaboo is all about, but anyone who grew up in the 80s and early 90s will understand. As a kid, the only shot to sporting glory was when India had its rare cricket victory - when we were not losing to Pakistan, whether it was due to the Sharjah effect, or Miandad's last ball six. That was before a young captain named Saurav Ganguly decided enough was enough. Before Vish redefined the equation Chess = Karpov + Kasparov. Before an excited Paes partnered with Bhupathi, before names like Sania and Saina brought cheers to the Indian fan.
Just as I write this, a 16 year old Ranchi girl hits three consecutive bulls eyes to win an Archery gold against her more sophisticated English opponent, while another small towner wins his wrestling encounter in a record 5 seconds.
Indian IT has so far enabled businesses and governments around the world, but now is creating opportunities within too. The Aadhar (UID) project is creating opportunities for the millions of India's rural poor. DRDO is working on our own OS (Operating System) to prevent hack attacks, while pushing dozens of indigineous satellites into space to keep a watch on our not-so-friendly neighbours, and providing the eyes and ears for our defensive missile batteries.
And while all this is happening, tax rates are going down!
1 comment:
This was a well-written piece. Loved it.
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