New Delhi: India, with its enormous population and growing emphasis on sports, has the potential to become a global powerhouse in various athletic disciplines. However, despite the presence of several government initiatives aimed at improving sports infrastructure, challenges remain that must be addressed. To discuss these issues and possible solutions, a high-powered panel convened featuring prominent sports figures on the power of state sports federations to make a difference in India’s sporting landscape.
J. Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu; former Olympic captain and President of Hockey India, Dilip Tirkey, Padma Shri & Arjuna awardee, Former Captain of the Indian Hockey Team , currently MLA from Jalandhar Cantt Pargat Singh; and senior journalist Shireen Sethi were in conversation.
The Role of State Governments in Sports Development
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the evolving role of state governments in sports development. Traditionally, sports have been seen as the responsibility of the central government or the Olympic committees. However, J. Meghanatha Reddy highlighted a significant shift in recent years. He noted that the growth in sporting culture is a reflection of the socio-economic transformation occurring across India. In the past two decades, India has witnessed an increasing number of private academies and schools promoting sporting talent, especially at the grassroots level. States like Odisha have been particularly proactive in changing the sports narrative, with Odisha leading the way in state-funded sports programs.
The paradigm shift reflects a broader realization: state governments can play a pivotal role in fostering sports development. The focus has now shifted from central government funding alone to state governments, which are recognizing the potential of sports as a tool for economic growth and cultural representation. This has been evidenced by the rise in infrastructure projects like stadiums, sports academies, and sports scholarships across many states.
Sports Beyond Urban Centers
Another important aspect discussed was the growing involvement of smaller towns in producing world-class athletes. J. Meghanatha Reddy shared that Tamil Nadu, for example, has seen a surge in sporting talent coming from towns like Salem and Hosur, areas traditionally not known for producing elite athletes. This development signals a significant change in how Indian society views sports, particularly among the younger generation. For the first time, parents across India are encouraging their children to pursue sports professionally, a shift from the traditional emphasis on academics.
The success stories from small towns in Tamil Nadu, such as the four Paralympians who won medals in the last edition, illustrate how localized support systems can cultivate talent. This regional expansion of talent has proven that India’s sporting potential is not limited to major metropolitan areas.
The Need for Private Sector Involvement
Pargat Singh, sharing his experiences as a former sports director in Punjab, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in sports. He mentioned that, in his tenure, he would often encourage individuals and companies to donate cricket and hockey sticks to support aspiring athletes. Singh’s approach was unconventional because it bypassed both state and central government funding, which he felt was often inadequate or slow to respond to the needs of athletes. His experience in Punjab reflects a wider issue: the over-reliance on government systems that often fail to meet the growing demand for resources in sports.
This problem is compounded by the fact that sports are still not seen as a priority in many state budgets. Singh stressed that countries excelling in sports, like China, dedicate a significant portion of their budgets to human resources, education, and sports development. He pointed out that India spends a much smaller proportion of its budget on these critical areas, limiting its potential to produce world-class athletes across all disciplines.
Center-State Collaboration: Key to Building a Strong Sporting Culture
One of the critical points of discussion was the need for better coordination between the center and states. While the central government runs several programs like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), there is a concern about a lack of clear and efficient communication between the center and the states. J. Meghanatha Reddy argued that while states are responsible for developing young talent, the central government must play a role in advancing athletes to higher levels of competition.
For instance, athletes may receive state support up to a certain point, but for further development, including participation in international competitions, the center takes over through specialized programs and support systems. This collaboration between the state and center is vital for the holistic development of athletes. States need to see the central government’s involvement not as a competitor, but as a partner in building a robust sports ecosystem.
Challenges in Funding and Infrastructure
Funding and infrastructure were other major issues discussed by the panel. Despite numerous initiatives, several states continue to complain about the lack of financial resources allocated to sports development. This gap in funding is often cited as a barrier to setting up world-class facilities and programs for athletes. However, J. Meghanatha Reddy offered a practical perspective: states may sometimes prioritize other sectors over sports, leading to inadequate allocations for sporting initiatives.
While the government must increase its investment in sports, there is also a need for the private sector to step in, as seen with the growing number of private academies and sponsors in sports. Additionally, several states have begun to invest in state-of-the-art sports facilities, but the consistency in quality and accessibility across the country remains a concern. Ensuring that all regions, including rural areas, have access to proper training facilities is key to tapping into India’s vast pool of talent.
The Road Ahead
The future of Indian sports depends on a multi-faceted approach involving the government, private sector, educational institutions, and the athletes themselves. As discussed by the panel, it is not just about building physical infrastructure; it is about fostering a culture where sports are valued and supported at every level. This involves not only better coordination between state and central governments but also creating a system where funding, training, and resources are allocated efficiently.
The panel agreed that the next step is to develop a more strategic and long-term vision for Indian sports, focusing on athlete well-being, early-stage training, and global exposure. States must continue to take the initiative, but they also need to work in tandem with central schemes like Khelo India to ensure a seamless transition from local to global sporting stages.
India’s sports infrastructure and culture are evolving rapidly, and with continued investment, focus, and collaboration, it is only a matter of time before the country becomes a major player on the global sports stage.
1. State Government Involvement in Sports Development
State governments are playing a critical role in the growth of sports within India. These efforts not only aim to nurture talent but also to foster a sporting culture that engages citizens, improves health, and enhances state and national pride.
A prime example is the Tamil Nadu government’s initiative to host the Chennai Grand Masters Tournament. This was a pivotal event where the state invested approximately INR 1.7 crore, a relatively low amount compared to other large-scale sports programs. The tournament’s success saw Gukesh winning, progressing to the Candidates Tournament, and potentially becoming a World Champion. This investment, though modest, has sparked a chain of inspiration, with the potential of producing more champions like Gukesh in the coming years.
2. Sports as a Tool for Political Engagement
Several states have realized the enormous potential that sports can have in creating connections with the electorate. While it may not always be termed as a “political tool,” it is undeniable that sports serve as a direct link between state leaders and the public. States like Orissa have already successfully used sports to build a relationship with their people.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who is also the Sports Minister, frequently engages with athletes, showing the public that the government is actively involved in fostering success stories. This constant engagement is seen as a way to not only promote sports but also to gain the support and goodwill of the electorate.
3. Infrastructure and Resources for Sports Development
While some states, such as Tamil Nadu, boast world-class infrastructure, the success of producing top athletes depends on more than just the facilities. Tamil Nadu has built Olympic-level sports infrastructure, but this has not automatically translated into producing consistent champions.
The key challenge remains that while facilities are excellent, there is a deeper cultural shift required to encourage the younger generation, and their parents, to pursue sports seriously. In particular, many parents are still reluctant to let their children play sports professionally, especially outside of cricket. This societal barrier poses a challenge to the development of a comprehensive sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from a young age.
4. Challenges and Priorities for Future Sports Development
A large part of India’s success in sports will depend on both the availability of better coaching and training programs, as well as a shift in public perception. The government’s responsibility is to create a conducive environment for talent to thrive, which includes focusing on grassroots coaching and offering platforms for athletes to showcase their skills.
Further, it is essential to focus on the specialization process in sports. The Chinese model of three-tier sports development—sports for all, specialization, and super specialization—could be an ideal framework for Indian states to adopt. This model ensures that children and young athletes are given opportunities to grow into professional sportspeople with expert training and guidance, at all levels of their development.
5. Financial Investments and Future Outlook
States like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have significantly increased their sports budgets. Uttar Pradesh, for example, has committed substantial resources to improve sports facilities, coaching standards, and athlete welfare. However, simply increasing the budget is not enough; it must be accompanied by a holistic approach to talent identification, coaching, and athlete care.
Specialized training camps, modern sports science centers, and greater collaboration between state, national, and international bodies are necessary to improve the overall sporting culture. Additionally, the states must focus on integrating sports into the school curriculum to nurture young talent from an early age.
6. The Role of Media and Society in Promoting Sports
Media plays a crucial role in shaping the perception of sports in India. With greater media coverage of events and athlete stories, the public’s enthusiasm for different sports can be bolstered. This helps athletes gain recognition and sponsors, which are crucial for their career progression. Furthermore, media attention on state-level sports events ensures that the broader public is aware of the government’s commitment to fostering talent.
Sports also serve as a powerful societal tool to promote unity and national pride. As states like Orissa and Tamil Nadu show, sports can be a means to not only create champions but also inspire the younger generation to take up sports seriously, thereby improving the overall health and fitness levels of the population.
7. The Road Ahead for Indian Sports
While states like Tamil Nadu and Orissa have made strides in sports development, challenges remain. Improving the sporting culture requires more than just building infrastructure; it requires a societal shift towards embracing sports as a career and supporting athletes both financially and emotionally. With continued investments and a strong focus on grassroots sports, India can potentially see an upsurge in both the quality and quantity of champions emerging from its diverse regions. As these states lead the way, other regions should take cues and prioritize sports development to truly transform India into a global sports powerhouse.
The session commenced with an engaging discussion focused on talent identification and coaching improvements in Indian sports, particularly hockey.
Key Points Discussed:
- Investment in Grassroots Talent:
- One of the key suggestions raised during the session was the lack of talent identification programs at the school and collegiate levels. It was emphasized that every state must make it mandatory for schools and colleges to run talent-hunting programs. This would help discover young talent early and foster their development.
- Utilization of Sports Infrastructure:
- Many states have built expensive turf grounds worth crores, but they are not being used effectively. It was suggested that these facilities must be used more extensively to avoid underutilization. The state governments must ensure that these grounds are accessible and put to regular use, ensuring that the investment in infrastructure does not go to waste.
- Role of Experienced Coaches:
- There is a growing need for senior players and experienced coaches to be brought into state-level sports development programs. Many state coaches lack the experience and the ability to teach advanced techniques, which leads to ineffective training. It was proposed that states should incentivize former players to become coaches, ensuring that experienced hands are available to train the next generation of athletes.
- Importance of Role Models:
- The importance of role models in sports was stressed. It was pointed out that very few sports figures are showcased in state-level sports venues. This lack of recognition for athletes who have represented the country in global events demotivates upcoming talent. The suggestion was made to display the achievements of local heroes and sports figures to inspire the youth.
- State-Specific Initiatives:
- Several states have taken strides in improving sports infrastructure and coaching. For instance, Tamil Nadu’s sports department runs talent schemes that scout and nurture young athletes. The state also has several hostels dedicated to training in different sports disciplines, including hockey.
- Salaries and Incentives for Coaches:
- The disparity in salaries between state coaches and experienced players was highlighted. It was pointed out that if good players are to transition into coaching, there must be better compensation, with salaries for coaches at the state level being elevated to encourage professionals to enter the field.
- The Role of Hockey India:
- While Hockey India plays a crucial role in promoting the sport at the national level, it was observed that state governments have a more immediate role in nurturing talent at the grassroots level. The governments need to provide the necessary support and infrastructure, which would complement Hockey India’s efforts at the national level.
- Future Collaboration and Improvements:
- States such as Odisha have started running state-level training centers and programs, which have shown positive results. It was urged that more states adopt this model to create a larger pool of trained athletes.
The discussion highlighted critical issues affecting the development of hockey and sports infrastructure in India. Key points include:
- Talent Development: The need for talent identification programs in schools across India is emphasized. The lack of such programs is seen as a significant barrier to discovering potential players early.
- Underutilized Facilities: Many state-owned sports facilities, particularly turf grounds, are not being used effectively. This is attributed to insufficient training programs and poor management. There is a call for these grounds to be used more extensively to maximize their potential and longevity.
- Coaching Shortages: A shortage of skilled coaches is a concern, with state coaches often lacking the expertise to train athletes at a high level. There’s a call for creating better-paying coaching positions to attract qualified individuals and to ensure the quality of coaching at the grassroots level.
- Role Models and Recognition: It is argued that the lack of visible role models and recognition of former players at the state level leads to a loss of motivation for aspiring athletes. Establishing a greater presence of past champions at hockey stadiums and in media can inspire new talent.
- State-Level Initiatives: Several states, including Tamil Nadu and Odisha, are taking steps to improve sports development by establishing centers of excellence and organizing talent scouting initiatives. However, there is still a need for greater investment in quality coaching and infrastructure to support these efforts.
The session concludes with a recognition of the need for more collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including government bodies, sports associations, and past athletes, to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem.
