Shooting golden mistakes

Yesterday, Abhinav Bindra clinched the 2008 Olympic Gold in the individual category (for 10-mtr air rifle event) and created history. Seldom we find such great examples by Indian sportsperson on the world platform to register a great feat. But what followed after (the ever-expected monetary rewards that poured for him) gives me no reason to be happy about. The sheer recklessness of the top ranks becomes even more apparent on such steps barring a few like SAIL, Railways, Indian Airlines, etc. (which recruit players of less repute).

Bindra, who is any an affluent individual may not need help NOW at this moment but surely needed so when he used to train under, if not financial, infrastructure constraints during his formative years. Where the big guns were who are announcing rewards for him then? His expenditure for the training crosses over one crore per annum, I read.

It is not hard to believe that he is going to cherish the medal more than anything else and these rewards won’t be something he is ever going to boast about, forget the name of the organisation, state govts, etc. Though, the scenario would have been different had the monetary support came when he desperately needed it; realistically, (if not for him) for many others who don’t get a chance to prove their mettle at the national level due to lack of finances for due training they deserve.

Now, when many countries are already looking at the London stage, India should see things more practically and not sit calm on its earned Gold. While every sportsperson insist on having good infrastructure for the new breed that shall perform 10 (or rather 12) years hence, corporates and non-profit organisations (like BCCI, self proclaimed) should guide its finances for the good towards them now and not when they end up winning a medal. In case, BCCI can’t, then they should stick only to Cricket.

By the way, India lost the Test Series to Sri Lanka yesterday when BCCI National Cricket Board President was busy calculating how much to shell away for Bindra. It is time BCCI now start looking for a new brand campaign. Who can be their brand ambassador? I feel Bindra fits the bill.