Should Politicians and Bureaucrats Control Sports Associations in India?

Recently concluded Olympics Games saw best ever performance by India, capturing 3 medals। But most of Indians are far from happy. Many critics are seen blaming politicians for the plight of Indian Sports. Even Abhinav Bindra, the lone Gold medalist in Beijing, has shown his displeasure about the sport administration in the country.

The politicians in charge of various sports associations however, are in no mood to budge। The justification and reason cited by Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP and President IOA for last seven years, is queer, to say the least. According to him, Sports bodies such as IOA need politicians because they are good at getting funds allocated from Sports ministry!

While it may be true, that because of their influence in the government, the political leaders can get funds, the question remains as to how much of the money is actually put into development of talent? What Mr.Kalmadi is referring to is the development of facilities for ensuing Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Here one must remember how huge money was invested at the time of Asiad in 1982. The Indraprastha and Talkatora Stadiums now lay in very bad shape primarily because of under-utilization. For Mr. Kalmadi and others sports administration is merely attending high profile meetings and taking some ridiculous decisions which are only causing harm to sports in India.

Excellence in sports today is directly related to international clout of a nation. China understood it long ago. The world is flabbergasted by the strides made by China, but a well planned and professional approach for more than two decades has made it possible. It should indeed be an eye opener for authorities in India. Some very harsh decisions will be needed to be taken for this plight to change.

Mr. Kalmadi, Mr. Das Munshi, Mr. V K Malhotra etc, who are heading various sports associations, are all professional politicians, hence they excel in politics. But they are amateur sports administrators. No wonder they have not excelled in this role. Quite clearly, sports bodies need target oriented professionals who will be accountable. Unless that happens, India will continue to lag way behind the world super powers in sports.