Sir,
There lies no doubt to the fact that if proper sporting infrastructure gets established and the sports persons are provided with quality coaching and equipment, India or any other nation can bag dozens of medals from Olympics. Also ranking high up in the Roll of Honour by bagging number of medals appear good.
But can performing well in Olympics be the be all and end all of life? Just take a glimpse at the Rio Roll of Honour. While the top half of the list comprise of China, Russia, Brazil, Kenya, Jamaica, Colombia, Iran, South Africa, North Korea or Ethiopia; the bottom half gets represented by the likes of Singapore, Ireland, Norway, Austria and Finland. Iceland or Bhutan does not even feature in the list! Now take a look at the Human Development Index. We will come across just the reverse picture. While the Singapores, Austrias and Icelands rank high up in the parameter of human development; less said about the Chinas, Brazils, Ethiopias, Irans, North Koreans the better. Apart from “boasting” of supreme inequality in the respective societies plagued by demons of hunger, illiteracy and joblessness; many of the comparatively successful countries in the Olympics severely lack democratic values, sexual equality, internal peace and freedom of speech. In contrast many countries featuring low in the medal list have ensured social welfare for all section of the population, reside as oasis of peace and practically cherish the values of democracy, tolerance and humanity. Even Iceland, bagging zero medal in Rio, is highly superior to even USA, Britain or Italy in many respects.
There lies no doubt to the fact that as far as priority of a nation should be concerned; maximum stress need to be awarded to human development, peace, tolerance and democratic values. Sporting achievements can come later. Yes, achievement in Olympics is merely symbolic in nature. There lies no reason to go over the moon in delight if our country ranks high in the medal list. Similarly there arises no question of shame if a country bags a mere silver and a bronze or draws a blank. Instead of making sporting achievements the ultimate yardstick of success, we should see to it that our respective countries can morally hold their head high by ensuring food, attire, home, education, medicine, justice and free speech to all. Hankering for sporting success can wait.
Yours etc….
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
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