Rajat Subhra Chatterjee
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Had they been silent or they even did not think it was an important event that merited special preview as India was playing the Finals of the Thomas Cup for the first time in 73 year history of the Cup? Or could be, our Print media and Electronic channels are too obsessed and focused with a particular game which is being played round the year – within a very small group of nations – summer or winter or rainy season – no matter, notwithstanding the useless and boring game being dished out every evening ?
Pathetic has been the case with so called Sponsors too in India who spend millions on a particular game that is played by India but in this case hardly any one came forward to sponsor a easily accessible TV channel where the matches could have been shown live. Was Badminton Association of India ( BAI ) responsible that they even did not think India could be playing the Finals and did not approach any such sponsors for support ? That is not the end of the pathetic story. Yes, print media had carried the news on 15th May morning that India was going to play the finals with few experts’ comment too. But no one, repeat, no one could inform if the matches would be shown live. We the poor lovers of the game had to search from the skin of our effort and found that Sports 18 Channel would be showing the matches live. And we remained glued in to that channel throughout and enjoyed.
But the point what is being made out of this is the total lack of enthusiasm and support from either the Sponsors and the Indian media. Indian badminton Team scaled Malaysia in the quarter finals, beat Denmark, another very strong shuttle cork playing nation in the semis and the situation was just red-hot for a final clash with 14 time Champion Indonesia who was beaten hands down. It is that Indonesia who boasts of Rudi Hartono, once the mercurial genius who lifted the men’s singles title at the prestigious All-England Championship eight times, seven times consecutively. He won the World Championship in 1980 on his only attempt at this title. In India, from the age of Nandu Natekar, Dipu and Ramen Ghosh to Prakash Padukone we have been enthralled and glittered with their fascinating display. See, a game in any country gets popular and support with the success of charismatic players. Chess had been played for ages. But it was Bobby Fisher and Boris Spassky in 1972 that brought the game attractive Internationally with their personal charisma. Prakash and Vijay Amritraj made both Badminton and Tennis adorable and attractive to us with their personal presence on court. But perhaps it was Gopichand who having won the All England after Prakash, made all the difference in Indian badminton through his ambition with his Academy wherefrom all these players have come out. Today Gopi must be a very happy and contended person.
Now what we may expect to follow ? Lots of congratulations from the Corridor of Power and yes, some financial grants and awards. Rightfully. But why cant we encourage our Shuttlers, Athletes, Gymnasts, Table Tennis players more and more anticipating that these players are no mean competitors internationally ! In fact it was pleasing to watch that all the Indians were looking fitter, trimmer and faster than the Indonesians on court in the finals ! This is where sports medicine has worked wonders. Kudos to the Physio and Coaches that they could measure up the potentials of this bunch as world beaters. And more importantly, Indians came from behind except Kidambi which proves the enhancement of mental strength. Another ‘good’ that has happened with proper mentoring.
I would rate this triumph in Thomas Cup even higher an achievement than India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup win though that was also a huge job done by Kapil’s army. This Thomas Cup winning Team members are now walking taller than they used to even a day back. Again rightfully. And they would need to put this achievement to more success in near future.
To quote my brother –Tushar – “ …after every small hillock scaled that’s proclaimed as a summit..”
Congratulations Dear Team India. You are now on a launching pad that may take you to a newer height.
Featured Image : From TV
