Flying kites is a
national entertainment. The colourful kites decorate the sky,
particularly adding to the charm of the festive atmosphere. The focus
even during such an enjoyable exercise, is cutting each other ! There
may be enough space in the sky, but the joy is in having a dominant
presence.
The idea of
hosting the Olympics in 2024 was one such attempt at kite flying.
There was so much excitement associated with the visit of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and his
meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it became a
foregone conclusion that the discussion between the two leaders would
be about India bidding to host the Games.
As the IOC
president put it succinctly, the IOA was still ''finding its feet'',
after serving the suspension. It had to regain its focus on improving
the success of the Indian athletes in the international arena,
especially in the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. It had to first
achieve ''unity in diversity''.
Yet, it was clear
that it was not the IOA but the government which was keen to probe
the possibilities of making an Olympic bid, from the reports emerging
on the subject. Otherwise, it was difficult to explain the reported
visit of the secretary of the Union Sports Ministry to the IOC
headquarters in Lausanne along with the IOA president to invite
Thomas Bach to India.
Even though it
was easy to jump to conclusion about the intent of the government, it
has to be remembered that Thomas Bach has already met more than 100
heads of State among the 205 member countries of the Olympic
Movement, after becoming the IOC president in September 2013.
Maybe, the
concerned parties wanted to strengthen the idea that Indian sport was
a ''sleeping giant''. And it required the expertise of the IOC to
find ways to awaken the sleeping giant. Whatever it may be, the
message from the IOC was clear.
In the press
conference that he addressed in Delhi after meeting the Prime
Minister and before he hurriedly left the country, Thomas Bach did
not utter a word about India hosting the Olympics till a question was
raised on the subject.
''Of course, we
were aware of the speculation. We were surprised for different
reasons. It was a little bit too quick for India to have a successful
Olympic Games in 2024. We were asking the question. The Prime
Minister is sharing the same opinion'', said Bach.
What was clear
was that the PM was surely looking to organise the Games but knew
that such a venture required the government to be ''well prepared''
and that it was a ''bit difficult'' to propose a successful
candidature by September this year.
''We will stay in
contact for the future. For 2024, we share the same opinion'',
clarified Bach.
What emerged from
the dialogue was a tripartite agreement, a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU), between the Union Government, the IOA and the
IOC for the benefit of Indian sports.
''It was a
constructive, good day. It was great to be back, first time as the
IOC president. It gave us the opportunity to welcome again IOA, after
the suspension ended last year. We had the opportunity to discuss the
future of Indian sports that is bright'', said Bach.
First things
first. India has to focus on athletes and help them fare better in
international events, by providing them the best support in terms of
training and coaching. The focus has to be on ensuring their
qualification and participation in the Olympics in Rio next year.
''Athletes are at
the heart of the Olympic Movement'', reminded Bach.
''One year after
suspension, the IOA is still finding their feet. They first need to
discuss and find their way for future success and how best to support
athletes'', said Bach.
A solid
foundation, from the assessment of Bach, was laid to address all the
issues.
To move forward,
different stakeholders need to recognise their responsibilities and
fulfil them. First and foremost, the IOA has to respect its revised
Constitution.
''Meeting the
Prime Minister was excellent. It gave us an opportunity to express
our appreciation of the Prime Minister and the Indian people for the
exemplary way in helping Nepal with such a humanitarian spirit. We
are full of admiration for the Indian government and the Indian
people. IOC will assist Nepal when it comes to rebuilding the sports
infrastructure and the Olympic Movement, after this tragedy'', said
Bach, as he admired the spontaneous support of India for Nepal after
it was ravaged by earthquake.
Coming back to
Indian sports, Bach admitted that the Indian Prime Minister was well
aware of sports being the key to building a strong society.
''The PM is very
much determined to promote sports. He knows the value of sports in
education and its role towards a cohesive society. In sport, all are
equal. It is a great uniting force. You look for personal
achievements by respecting the common rules'', said Bach, even as he
talked about ideas of making sports mandatory in the educational
system and making physical activity a must for all kids.
''The PM is clear
that he would use all his authority and dynamism to wake up the
sleeping giant. The IOC will be happy to assist. With a population of
1.2 billion people, and 80 million of them youth, India has a huge
potential, in particular in sports. India could be a powerhouse in
sports'', he said.
The IOC will
assist in terms of coaching, technology for the athletes, and by
providing training for administrators and coaches. It will also
attempt to support Indian sports through the world wide Olympic
television channel that is in the process of being launched.
In theory, there
is never any dearth of words to support autonomy of sports.
''The Prime
Minister is very much in favour of autonomy. Autonomy not just in
sports but in the whole society'', Bach observed.
It may be
recalled that it was because of government's intrusion into sports
that India was kept out of the Olympic Movement for more than a year.
''The Prime
Minister has invited us to have one of our future meetings here in
India and to keep bilateral contact with him. We appreciate both
invitations. It was a very good day for sports in India. We are
looking forward to a strong Olympic team from India in the Olympic
Games in Rio'', said Bach.
Moving on, Bach
said that good governance and autonomy were two sides of the same
coin. He indicated that with the agreement of last year, mutual
respect had clearly been achieved, and the Prime Minister had
expressed great satisfaction.
''We saw
improvement (in the IOA), but need to improve more. There is a new
constitution. It has to work. Everybody has to respect. I am very
positive. The message got across'', he said.
When asked
whether the IOC was aware of the undercurrents in the IOA, and that
there was a ''no confidence motion'' brewing right in front of their
nose, Bach said that he was not aware of it, but was quick to add
that it was ''not new to India''.
''Even without
knowing, we were sending the message and the appeal for unity. The
motto of my presidential campaign was Unity in Diversity. It fits
well with the IOA. Diversity makes India so rich. The IOA, national
federations, State Olympic committees, they all need to focus on the
athletes, make athletes successful and find unity among yourselves'',
he said.
Unfortunately, in
Indian sports, the athlete is the last and least in priority, while
unity is a distant dream.
