The human resource development ministry’s recent announcement that it will sponsor the educational expenses of student sportspersons, who bagged medals may be a step towards encouraging sports. But in a country were sports is yet to attain the status of a career, will financial benefits serve as leg up for those who cease to pursue their passion for games professionally? Has the HRD missed the boat by not addressing other concerns of budding sportspersons which is beyond just studies? Many
sportspersons feel that they must be entitled to other benefits like housing and subsidies on basic necessities that will help them manage better. “I think this a great move and a start of something fabulous, it is the first step,” says Anjum Chopra, cricketer.
But the same may not be enough for cricketer, Sunny Chandra, 22, who doesn’t dream of professional cricket anymore. For him getting a job is more important than chasing his dream. “Being the older child in the family, I have responsibilities. I have given up professional cricket, and I am preparing for competitive exams,” he says.
Many like polo player Jai Shergill say that this is a positive move in the right direction, but it is not enough as the government must also provide financial help throughout the year and there must be bigger sponsorships for players, specially those who come from rural areas. “I feel sports is a neglected area, despite the fact that this move, is a bright light for many. But having said that I must add that housing loans and a monthly stipend will also encourage many to join,” he adds.
Mir Ranjan Negi, who runs hockey academies for girls says, “The sports policy in the country needs a revolution. Young blood, with new ideas should be handed over the command. It’s unfortunate that only medal winners get government jobs. There should have better job opportunities, and incentives even if a sportsperson doesn’t make it big in the game as one must realise that he has given his life to the game.” Manish Sharma, 16, had to give up volleyball, as games at the end of the day don’t pay bills. “My parents wanted me to concentrate on my studies. They think I am wasting my time in daily practice. My future will be bleak if I fail to achieve success in sports,” he says.
Monetary remunerations for promising sportspersons should be given right from the early training period, argues wrestler and Arjuna awardee Sonika Kaliraman. To her, that will be a step towards cultivating “sports culture” in the country. “What is the point of giving financial assistance to someone who has already won a medal? It’s certainly a push for them, but it needs to be carried out in a proper and systematic manner. Talent should not be wasted at any cost,” she says.
Sponsorships and stipends for talented youngsters would have been great, according to student Somya Vardhan Azad, who has played under-17 cricket for Delhi, but had to discontinue due to an injury. Somya, the son of former cricketer Kirti Azad is disappointed that many of his friends, like Sunny, who were good cricketers couldn’t take their game further because they had to get jobs, in order to support their families. “Facilities should be provided for sports like wrestling and shooting which are now gaining popularity,” he says.
“If I had got financial help, it would have been easier for me to persuade my parents,” says Shayan Dutt, a student. “Look at the cut-off list in colleges, there is so much competition in other professions. There are no sports insurances or perks to hook those, interested in games,” adds Shayan.
Sonika feels that there is a need for attractive scholarships in rural areas where a lot of talent is hidden and goes wasted.