For those of you who aren't familiar with this phrase, 'lipstick on a pig' is a "rhetorical expression, used to convey the message that making superficial or cosmetic changes is a futile attempt to disguise the true nature of a product" (courtesy Wikipedia). The comparison I want to make is to the recent Commonwealth Games which in the end turned out to be a success although it was anything but a reflection of the state of Indian sport (cricket is of course excluded). I have reservations using adjectives such as resounding, amazing or similar synonyms before the word success. I have my reasons.
Yes, the Games went off well. Yes, the opening and closing ceremonies were magnificent. Yes, India was showcased as a global sporting destination (with a few gaping holes). But then it was just like a fortnight long party that was all fun and excitement (thats an exaggeration) when it happened, only to be forgotten soon after its conclusion when it should have been an event aimed at forging a strong relationship between the Indian public and sports. Here are a few thoughts on why I think the Games failed more than it succeeded.
India should have been buzzing about the event at least a year before it started. Unfortunately the buzz started not too long before the Games and to make matters worse, for all the wrong reasons. Even with the good show that was put up, the string of events leading up to the Games have dented India's reputation and in future will put a question mark on India's ability to organize a bigger event. So for now lets forget the Olympics.
How many of us know the names of more than five to ten of our country's gold medal winners? India's sporting icons performed exceptionally well at the Games winning a good number of medals. Yet before and after the event, it was depressing to see that they were as far away from the limelight as possible. Are the media to blame? Yes, a little. But wasn't it the responsibility of the organizers and sports governing bodies to get more corporates involved in order promote our own athletes? If there is no interest or buzz created around them how is it expected that an average Indian kid will want to hear, know or be one of them? Okay, so we are a cricket obsessed country and our attention is therefore difficult to get. But there could have at least been an attempt! The Games should have been used as a base to promote sports to young Indians, to promote participation and to encourage them to follow these sports regularly.
Next, what happens to all those wonderful venues that were constructed? Who is going to use them? The amount of money that has been spent (legally) can only be justified if these venues can be managed and utilized so that they remain top class facilities. I am not sure if I am right on this point. If there is a plan, that's great but I am quite certain there is none.
All this is just the tip of the iceberg but is enough to understand that the problems which face Indian sport are not on the surface. An event like the Commonwealth Games might be glossy on the outside but unless there is a concerted effort to start at the grass root level and work bottom upwards, Indian sport will continue to be mediocre rather than exceptional. Putting capable individuals rather than politicians at the helm would be a great start.
Yes, the Games went off well. Yes, the opening and closing ceremonies were magnificent. Yes, India was showcased as a global sporting destination (with a few gaping holes). But then it was just like a fortnight long party that was all fun and excitement (thats an exaggeration) when it happened, only to be forgotten soon after its conclusion when it should have been an event aimed at forging a strong relationship between the Indian public and sports. Here are a few thoughts on why I think the Games failed more than it succeeded.
India should have been buzzing about the event at least a year before it started. Unfortunately the buzz started not too long before the Games and to make matters worse, for all the wrong reasons. Even with the good show that was put up, the string of events leading up to the Games have dented India's reputation and in future will put a question mark on India's ability to organize a bigger event. So for now lets forget the Olympics.
How many of us know the names of more than five to ten of our country's gold medal winners? India's sporting icons performed exceptionally well at the Games winning a good number of medals. Yet before and after the event, it was depressing to see that they were as far away from the limelight as possible. Are the media to blame? Yes, a little. But wasn't it the responsibility of the organizers and sports governing bodies to get more corporates involved in order promote our own athletes? If there is no interest or buzz created around them how is it expected that an average Indian kid will want to hear, know or be one of them? Okay, so we are a cricket obsessed country and our attention is therefore difficult to get. But there could have at least been an attempt! The Games should have been used as a base to promote sports to young Indians, to promote participation and to encourage them to follow these sports regularly.
Next, what happens to all those wonderful venues that were constructed? Who is going to use them? The amount of money that has been spent (legally) can only be justified if these venues can be managed and utilized so that they remain top class facilities. I am not sure if I am right on this point. If there is a plan, that's great but I am quite certain there is none.
All this is just the tip of the iceberg but is enough to understand that the problems which face Indian sport are not on the surface. An event like the Commonwealth Games might be glossy on the outside but unless there is a concerted effort to start at the grass root level and work bottom upwards, Indian sport will continue to be mediocre rather than exceptional. Putting capable individuals rather than politicians at the helm would be a great start.
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