Lagging in the race

New Wave

As the Asian Games is about to come to an end, most people are wondering ‘Could India have done better?’

While the country’s cricket team receives accolades and praises all over the world, our own countrymen remain clueless about our athletics team or the hockey team. Metrolife spoke to some youngsters in the City on what the sportsmen of our country lack, and here’s what they had to say:

Necessary fitness

Shahbas SM, a student of Acharya Institute of Technology, says, “While the Indian cricket team  is reaching new heights everyday, our athletes in every other sports are reaching a new low. I myself don’t watch any other sport but cricket. It’s probably because cricket is a team sport with so much excitement in it. But with some motivation, people will watch any sport because sports are a necessary step to reach a higher level and keeping fit.”  

Woman power

Sangeetha,  a student of Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, says, “We are doing great (Asian Games) but there is a long way to go. I think the women who participate come from rich families. But the ones who aren’t rich enough,  are the ones whose talent hasn’t been explored. Girls are pressured out of sports after a point because their families think they shouldn’t be playing. We need to change this mentality and not see a woman as just a housewife.” 

Starting early

Jithin Joseph, a student of Acharya Institute of Technology, says, “India has an international team for cricket but not football or any other sport.
 We should concentrate on other games as well. Schools should encourage and motivate  the athletes from a young age.”  

“There are many people who have the talent but don’t have the exposure, and this the government should provide. Indian games likes kabaddi and kusthi should be encouraged.”  

Encouraging push 

Swati Deep, a student of Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, says, “While people are starting to stray away from cricket slowly to games like football, India still doesn’t encourage people in athletics and other sports.”

 “Encouragement is very important and each and every state should help its athletes. Starting from the school level itself, sports like  kho-kho, kabaddi and badminton should be encouraged.”

All about cricket 

Ali Murthasha, a student of Acharya Institute of Technology, says, “Compared to last time, we aren’t doing too good at the Asian Games. Although there are some players who are doing good, there should be more of an emphasis on sports other than cricket, like boxing and athletics.” 

“We tend to focus too much on cricket, which doesn’t help the progress of  other sports. We have really good athletes in sports like football, boxing and archery, and they should be motivated.” Ali Murthasha, a student of Acharya Institute of Technology, says, “Compared to last time, we aren’t doing too good at the Asian Games. Although there are some players who are doing good, there should be more of an emphasis on sports other than cricket, like boxing and athletics.” 

“We tend to focus too much on cricket, which doesn’t help the progress of  other sports. We have really good athletes in sports like football, boxing and archery, and they should be motivated.”