Many a sportsperson have made India proud on the international level by their stirring performances, this despite the fact that they have had to endure the difficult and often frustrating attitude of the Indian sporting establishments. They have made personal sacrifices and risen their way to the top, sometimes even without the full backing and cooperation of the lethargic Indian sporting federations.
Our athletes deserve recognition
It is sad to see that they still don’t get just rewards for their hard work and determination. There have been many cases where there has been money and sponsorship promised by the Centre or State Governments and their respective federations, but these never reaching the athletes. Or, stranger things like reward cheques bouncing.
It’s a similar kind of a story with awards. Federations have the responsibility of recommending athletes under their sport for prestigious National sporting awards like the Arjuna Awards. Often, these happen too late in an athlete’s career, or don’t happen at all. This leads to a sense of frustration, disappointment and disenchantment with the authorities. After all, nothing is a bigger motivating factor for an athlete than being nationally recognized for his achievements.
This year, 4 time Commonwealth Games 2010 gold medallist, Gagan ‘goldfinger’ Narang was nominated for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. His story is an all too familiar case of disenchantment with the authorities, for he was made to wait too long for what he rightfully deserved, made to wait for an honour that should have been his a long time ago. After various snubs, he also openly criticized the authorities for their absence of support.
His isn’t the 1st case, and it certainly won’t be the last.
It’s sad to see such a talented and decorated shooter publicly flaying the authorities for their inaction. It should serve as an embarrassment and humiliation for the people in charge.
Let’s give our very own athletes what is rightfully theirs – Recognition.
Tags: Arjuna Awards, Athletes, Gagan Narang, India, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Recognition, Sportsperson
