Indian sports, like most of the world, remains largely amateur. Support in terms of grants and jobs is essential to attract talent, however widespread the net may be cast. Its a fact that all national sports federations acknowledge, albeit reluctantly.
Institutions, both private and public sector, play a key role in providing this support right across the spectrum of sports disciplines! Unfortunately, barring Indian Railways and Services, other institutions like banks, petroleum companies, steel plants, police and para-military, airlines and various other govt departments have been largely ignored in both in terms of recognition as well as a say in NSF affairs through voting rights.
Till India's independence, sports, much like the arts and literature, was supported by the rich princely states. But with the royalty marched off into the sunset, it became incumbent upon the government and industry to nurture and encourage talent in these field.
Support has not been lacking either but with time it has begun to show a declining trend right across the board. The primary reason, it emerges, is the lack of "respect" given by NSFs to these institutions.
In fact, the Justice Lodha committee reforms for the Board of Control for Cricket in India suggests completely doing away with voting rights for institutions along with one-state one-vote clause! BCCI for its part was much in need of this re-organisation since some states like Maharashtra held four votes while others awaited their turn for admittance and approval. It is indeed bizarre that BCCI's West Zone has only two states - Gujarat (3 votes comprising Gujarat, Baroda and Saurashtra) and Maharashtra (3 plus 1 comprising Mumbai, Maharashtra, Cricket Club of India and Vidarbha in Central Zone).
Not very long ago, Punjab alone had four votes in hockey ... Punjab, PEPSU, Patiala and Punjab Police! Similarly, Assam Rifles had a separate vote in boxing, while banks enjoyed VIP status in table tennis and Central services like Income Tax, Audit and Customs & Central Excise have all enjoyed a say at one time or another in various sports.
Time has come for NSFs with active participation of the ministry of youth affairs and sports, to streamline the invaluable institutional support in terms of voting rights and a say in the internal workings!
NSFs, left to their own machinations, are sure to oppose any such restructuring, complaining about government interference. Fact is, without government support in terms of grants and all else, no sports federation, barring BCCI, is in a position to even survive!
Recognition must be given where its due so that institutional support does not ebb and flow as per the whims and fancies of the officer in charge.
It would be a win-win situation with sports persons getting jobs, rather than be handed short-term contracts, and a vote goes a long way in reassuring institutions that they have an active role to play in NSF affairs.
Institutions, both private and public sector, play a key role in providing this support right across the spectrum of sports disciplines! Unfortunately, barring Indian Railways and Services, other institutions like banks, petroleum companies, steel plants, police and para-military, airlines and various other govt departments have been largely ignored in both in terms of recognition as well as a say in NSF affairs through voting rights.
Till India's independence, sports, much like the arts and literature, was supported by the rich princely states. But with the royalty marched off into the sunset, it became incumbent upon the government and industry to nurture and encourage talent in these field.
Support has not been lacking either but with time it has begun to show a declining trend right across the board. The primary reason, it emerges, is the lack of "respect" given by NSFs to these institutions.
In fact, the Justice Lodha committee reforms for the Board of Control for Cricket in India suggests completely doing away with voting rights for institutions along with one-state one-vote clause! BCCI for its part was much in need of this re-organisation since some states like Maharashtra held four votes while others awaited their turn for admittance and approval. It is indeed bizarre that BCCI's West Zone has only two states - Gujarat (3 votes comprising Gujarat, Baroda and Saurashtra) and Maharashtra (3 plus 1 comprising Mumbai, Maharashtra, Cricket Club of India and Vidarbha in Central Zone).
Not very long ago, Punjab alone had four votes in hockey ... Punjab, PEPSU, Patiala and Punjab Police! Similarly, Assam Rifles had a separate vote in boxing, while banks enjoyed VIP status in table tennis and Central services like Income Tax, Audit and Customs & Central Excise have all enjoyed a say at one time or another in various sports.
Time has come for NSFs with active participation of the ministry of youth affairs and sports, to streamline the invaluable institutional support in terms of voting rights and a say in the internal workings!
NSFs, left to their own machinations, are sure to oppose any such restructuring, complaining about government interference. Fact is, without government support in terms of grants and all else, no sports federation, barring BCCI, is in a position to even survive!
Recognition must be given where its due so that institutional support does not ebb and flow as per the whims and fancies of the officer in charge.
It would be a win-win situation with sports persons getting jobs, rather than be handed short-term contracts, and a vote goes a long way in reassuring institutions that they have an active role to play in NSF affairs.
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