About time this country took all sports seriously

Representation pic

As we race towards the close of Asian Games 2026, with the last day being October 4, we are in countdown phase for medals hoping to jump that much ahead in the medal tally.

Ambition is a good thing and so is aspiration but we need to realise that champions were not created in one day, a month or even one year. There is an entire ecosystem behind the making of champions and we need to start at the grass roots.

Keep our parks open to play. It is as basic as that. More importantly, keep the equipment, just fundamental play equipment in good condition. Give very young kids amenities like a workable washroom near the park or at a space in our maidans so that they can play in peace.

Structure the system so that children are not forced to choose between studies and sport. Give physical education teachers the same status and importance in schools. Do not relegate them to the back somehow, negate their voice or make them feel they are somehow a sideshow to the real staffers teaching ‘real' ‘important' subjects. Make sport courts where you can. Stop crippling fees at public pools and improve maintenance.

Make more sports schools in fact, we need hundreds more if we have to make the system robust, flush with athletes and have more winners on the international podium. Let financial rewards come through the junior stages not just the senior, so that athletes can have some money for training all through.

The movement needs more depth and breadth. Begin the making of champions at the lowest rung, now.