It's been close to 60 years since we gained independence, yet we are struggling to produce world-class sportspersons. We have had just five athletes who could make it to the Olympics finals – Gurbachan Singh Randhawa (Tokyo 1964), Sriram (Montreal 1976), PT Usha (Los Angeles 1984), Anju Bobby George (2004) and myself (1960 Rome). This aptly reflects the standards of sports in the country.

I think we lack planning and sincerity. Moreover our training is still not going in the desired direction. It would be better if we have clearcut planning in terms of training and results. Let there be a timeframe for coaching - be it eight years, 12 or 20. The government should fix accountability on coaches and players alike. We cannot hope to win medals in the international arena in the absence of any planned approach.

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 the 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 at Pune where the best equipment and foreign coaches are being provided to talented players.

The ministry of sports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all national sports federations/associations should join hands to prepare a blueprint for raising the overall standards of sports. Everyone should work in tandem to make the dream of winning medals in Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealths and world meets a reality. Office-bearers of sports federations/associations should also rise above petty politics and work with conviction to create a 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 sporting outfits and state-of-the 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. Budding players should make the most of opportunities provided to them. I would also comment on the short-cut methods adopted by sportspersons to win medals like use of performance-enhancing substances, concealing their age 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. Youngsters should think beyond the 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 is in India. But the top soccer clubs in Italy put in at least 30-40% of their profits in running other sports in their country. Therefore the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should be generous enough to give up some of its profit for managing other disciplines. The sports ministry and IOA should take up this issue with BCCI for the overall improvement of sports.

In the end, I would also say that Indian sports bodies should make a concerted effort in being at the top of medals' tally in the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi. We will be spending crores of rupees in organising the Commonwealth Games, but all would go waste if we fail to finish among the top five in the final standings, particularly in athletics (I was the last gold medallist in athletics in the Commonwealth Games held in 1958 at Cardiff). We can justify spending that much money only if we have medals to support our claims. The government, IOA and other sports bodies have another five years, so it's time we fixed our targets to be on top of the world.

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