I think we lack planning and sincerity. It would be better if we have clear-cut plans for training and results. Let there be a timeframe for coaching—be it eight years, 12 years or 20 years. The government should fix accountability on coaches and players alike. We cannot hope to win medals at the international arena in the absence of any planned approach.

Look at China, we should follow its footsteps. Back in the 1950s, Chinese athletes were no match to us even at the Asian Games level. Today China is a superpower in the field of sports. They have academies for various disciplines where budding sportspersons are brought in young. Each academy is entrusted to an in-charge on whom lies the onus to produce results. Failures are viewed seriously and those responsible for it are penalised for their laxity. The Chinese have shown to the world that with dedication and planning, results can be achieved.

I propose that training of sportspersons be handed over to the Indian Army. I am a product of the Army's training, and so is Lt Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. This is important because only Army can instill discipline and dedication among sportspersons which is lacking in other spheres. Moreover, the Army is really keen to undertake such a project. The Army Institute of Sports (AIS) has already been set up in Pune where the best equipment and coaches are being provided to talented players.

The Union Ministry of Sports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all national sports federations/associations should join hands to prepare a blueprint to raise the overall standards of sports. Everyone should work in tandem to realise the dream of winning medals in Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and world meets. Office-bearers of sports federations/associations should also rise above petty politics and work with conviction to make India a nation with great sports culture.

I won't say that India is lacking in infrastructure, funds and exposure for sportspersons. Things have improved phenomenally if we compare it to yesteryears. We had not even heard of basic facilities like running shoes, tracksuits and coaches during our times. Today, top-class equipment, good sport outfits and state-of-art infrastructure is available to our young sportspersons. All they need is to train with honesty and sincerity. There is no dearth of coaches today. The country has nearly 27,000 coaches now.

The budding players should make most of opportunities provided to them. I would also comment on shortcut methods adopted by sportspersons to win medals like use of performance-enhancing substances, concealing their ages to compete in lower age groups and defecting to other states for pecuniary benefits. They forget that nothing is greater than winning honours for the country. Jobs, rewards and awards come much later. The youngsters should think beyond smaller gains and train diligently to shine at the highest level. Not only that, they should also make winning a habit. A good athlete should at least dominate for 10-12 years.

I would also quote the example of Italy where soccer has a cult following and is the biggest money-spinning sport just as cricket in India. But the top soccer clubs in Italy put in at least 30 to 40 per cent of their profits in running other sports in their country. Therefore, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should also be generous enough to give up some of its profit for managing others disciplines. The Sports Ministry and IOA should take up this issue with BCCI for the overall improvement of sports.

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