Sporting chance for all

Sports in India has not received the fillip it richly deserves, considering the country’s population, talent and resources. Paucity of intent is glaringly missing in the government’s endeavour to provide a massive push to sport disciplines. Generally, sports connoisseurs, experts and people are in unison with the fact that many games have suffered for lack of coaching on a par with the international standards. For long, the need for a national sports university, matching with the best in the business has been felt. Finally, the dream appears to have come true with the Lok Sabha passing the National Sports University Bill, 2018, proposing to set up the university in Manipur’s capital Imphal. Coaching, technology and research are the fundamental pillars on which the university will establish itself, and fan out, to spread sports education. A sportsperson

heading the university as vice-chancellor is like a whiff of fresh air. The governing body should also be packed with sportspersons. Many countries like China have abundant sports universities from which the government should not hesitate to draw inspiration. The Centre must seriously consider imparting “sports education” to students from the primary school. Modern day sports has ceased to be mere training and performing: it requires a holistic touch. It is hoped the Centre keeps its eye on the ball while developing the university. — Ganapathi Bhat