Motorsport is not just entertainment, says Gill
This month, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India ( FMSCI) put forward the name of Gaurav Gill, the reigning Asia Pacific Rally champion, for Arjuna Award to the sports ministry, a first for Indian motorsport. The champion driver, though ‘honoured to be part of the procedure’, is unsure of the ministry’s approach to the sport.
Gill’s apprehension is not misplaced, for only recently did the ministry recognise the FMSCI as a national sports federation. Until then, for the ministry, motorsport was just entertainment.
“It is an honour to be the first person from motorsport to be nominated for the Arjuna Award. I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope the ministry understands that this is not all entertainment. This is as challenging and taxing as other sports, physically and mentally,” Gill, who recently won the Rally of Caledonia to stay strong on his APRC championship defence, said.
When asked what his expectations are from the ministry, Gill said: “Honestly speaking, I don’t expect much from the ministry. I do not think they are ready to bestow the honour on someone from motorsport. I think they are still early into accepting motorsport.
“To say, motorsport is just entertainment doesn’t make sense. If you look at it in another way, which sport cannot be termed entertainment? I guess, in Indian context, cricket is more entertaining than motorsport. That’s why it sells more than anything else in the country. So if motorsport is entertainment, isn’t cricket as well?” ‘MINISTRY SHOULD HELP YOUNGSTERS’ Gill, the first Indian to win the APRC, said the lack of sponsors and adequate equipment in India makes it difficult for someone from the country to compete on the international circuit. “Most of the time, I practice with inadequate equipment, but still manage to compete with, and beat, the best and the finest at international events,” said Gill.
“By recognising the federation, the ministry has taken the first step. Now I wish, they help bring in more sponsors to the country, set up an environment where youngsters get the right cars, bikes or equipment to build their career,” he said. “I hope the ministry realises that there is a lot of talent in the country, and they would support them.”