The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Poor response to Grand Prix athletics
Ramu Sharma

FOR an event which Asian athletes have waited for well over a decade, the Grand Prix competition this year, has been decidedly mediocre, both in competitive flavour as well as in the general response from high profile stars. The four-part show staged in Hyderabad, Colombo, Bangkok and Manila in turn has in fact been a major disappointment.

A number of excuses have been offered for the absence of some of the top stars but there is no getting away from the fact that the attitude of the Asian super powers, Japan and China in particular has not been very encouraging. Also disappointing is the response from some of the Arab countries, including Qatar which is hosting the next Asian Games.

Perhaps the idea of an Asian Grand Prix has not exactly evoked the same response as the IAAF’s competitions of similar dimensions attract. And what is regrettable is that even India, which is considered among the leading spirits behind move, has also not been able to field its full array of stars for one reason or the other. And add to these negative trends is the threat of SARS and you have the reason why there is very little grand about this year’s competitions spread over four cities in four countries of the region?

It is a pity that the Asian Grand Prix appears to have got stuck in a quagmire so early in its journey. The whole idea of the Grand Prix meets for the regions has been to give Asian Athletics a definite identity. It took nearly 10 years for the idea to be given a shape, the idea which for a long while was associated with Mr Maurice Nicholas of Singapore but took form only with the election of Mr Suresh Kalmadi of India as president of the Asian Amateur Athletics Association two years ago.

The advantages of an Asian Grand Prix can never be over-emphasized. A regular schedule of such meets in the major cities of interested countries would not only help keep the Asian athletes on toes but also help raise the standard. What is more important is that such ventures within the continent are cheaper than going to Europe and elsewhere. Moreover, the atmosphere will be friendly and focussed. The Asian Grand Prix circuit has been seen as a blessing in disguise to the many athletes who are desperately seeking more competition.

All this and more were the consideration when the Grand Prix competitions were first mooted and then finally given the go-ahead last year. But perhaps it is too early to pass judgement but somehow one gets the feeling that the AAA has yet to get its act together and ensure that all its members take interest in this very noble and worthy project. A first step in strengthening the ties among Asian countries in fact appears to have been taken in this direction. Mr Maurice Nicholas, treasurer, AAA announced during the Hyderabad meet of the Grand Prix, the staging of the inaugural Asian All Stars Meet in Singapore next September. The meet is basically for the Asian champions in 17 disciplines and will carry cash incentives of $ 5,000, $ 3,000 and $ 1,000 for the gold, silver and bronze medal winners respectively. The success of the Asian All Stars may perhaps help boost the image of the Grand Prix meets.

Among the many reasons for the lack of top grade performances was the timing of this year’s competitions. For most of athletes the Grand Prix meets were the first major competitions after the Asian Games. Such a long lay-off was bound to reflect in the performances. But for all that Sri Lanka and Thailand, and countries from the former states of the Soviet Union appear to have taken the Grand Prix meets seriously and contributed considerably to infuse some interest in this year’s proceedings.

Of particular note was the performance of Busan Asian Games gold medallist, Susanthika Jaysinghe who won the women’s short sprint in a new record time in the opening leg of the meet in Hyderabad in a record time and then went on to retain the gold in the Colombo leg of the competition too. She, however, was in for a shock in the Bangkok leg when Khubbeive Guzel of Uzbekistan upstaged her. Susanthika is one of Asia’s biggest hope in world athletics.

Indian swimming in murky waters
K.R. Wadhwaney

RECENTLY a pet-dog was seen dog-paddling in Patiala’s prestigious SAIpool. This amusing piece of news in a national daily, wittingly or unwittingly, revealed the truth that the ‘Indian swimming has gone to dogs’. Indeed, dog’s entry into the pool may have been a crucial joke, but the Indian swimming has slipped five fathom deep in mud, slush and whirlpool.

Who is responsible for this sorry state of affairs obtaining in this vast country? None but the Swimming Federation of India (SFI), which is one of the worst managed bodies.

The SFI president, Mr Kailash Kapoor, is too docile a man to render the body functional. Recently, he underwent usual checks in hospital at Lucknow. Some of his detractors spread the rumours that he was seriously sick. A conspiracy was hatched. He should be replaced and Virender Nanavati should be ‘kicked up’ to become president while K.V. Sharma, now out of Sports Authority of India (SAI), to become secretary.

The conspiracy did not work as Mr Kapoor was back to normal life and expressed his willingness to continue as the president. Now misunderstanding cropped up between Mr Nanavati and Mr Sharma, once great friends. Tears, crocodile of course, were shed before the election meeting. Apologies tendered. Mr Nanavati retained his office of the secretary while Mr K.V. Sharma became one of the vice-presidents.

For a decade or more, Mr Sharma ruled the SFI from outside. Nothing happened without his tacit approval. He is a national coach although there are several coaches, who possess better credentials than him. They are based in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai. But who cares for them? They toil while someone else gets the recognition.

According to usual practice and traditions, the national coach should be left alone to concentrate on his training and training methods. Why should the federation’s vice-president be allowed to continue as the national coach? This is not all. But his wife is one of the office-bearers of the federation while his son, a kind of a diver, teaches swimming.

There are streams of complaints pending at the Talkatora pool, which is the main scene of operation. A few persons have been banned from entering the pool, run by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), for certain unprofessional deals.

During training, two young swimmers, aspiring to represent Delhi in the coming national junior and subjunior meets later this month, were discussing the existing Indian swimming scenario. One, in lighter vein, told the other: "Will it not be a nice idea to make the SFI Sharma Federation of India instead of Swimming Federation of India?"

Anita Sood has unquestionably been the greatest woman swimmer India has produced. She went out of competitive swimming because of the highhandedness of the SFI. She is settled in Hong Kong. When asked to comment, her mother, Nergish, in reply, says: "I am in no mood to speak of the SFI. They remain the same and it is below my dignity to speak of them."

There is a plenty of talent going abegging in the country. The Sports Ministry should examine the functioning of the SFI instead of doling out funds for various meets.

SPORTS MAIL

Thrilling hockey win at Sydney

INDIA'S 5-3 victory over world champions Australia in the three-nation hockey final thrilled all country men. It has taken years for the good news to come. The win will be a morale-booster for the team, a blend of youth and experience, to bring more laurels in future. Congratulations to the hockey federation, especially its president, Mr K.P.S. Gill, coach Rajinder Singh and the players on this sweet victory. Our cricketers pocket millions for their matches, won or lost, and it is appropriate that their poor cousins are also adequately rewarded by the government, the federation and industrial houses.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

It was nice to see India winning the second leg of the three-nation invitation hockey tournament at Sydney. Indian coach Rajinder Singh deserves appreciation for this great win. He immediately admits shortcomings in every outing and tries to rectify the same. Since the Olympic Games are to be held next year, it will be most appropriate to retain him as coach of the hockey team. He was also the coach of the junior World Cup winning team. The senior players, including Dhanraj Pillay, Baljit Singh Dhillon and goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan justified the confidence reposed in them. Chandigarh’s Raj Pal Singh, who has been giving a good performance in the national and international matches, should also be included to strengthen the team for the Athens Olympics.

PRITPAL SINGH, Patiala

III

Heartiest congratulations to Dhanraj Pillay and his team for winning the second leg of three-nation invitation hockey tournament at Sydney. The Indians gave a remarkable performance in the final to beat Australia 5-3. This title win will boost the morale of the Indian hockey team. Under coach Rajinder Singh, the Indian team is improving day by day. They are improving in penalty corner conversion which is really a good sign. The fitness level of the team has improved. Dhanraj, Baljit Dhillon, Jugraj and Prabhjot performed well in this tournament. I hope the 24-year wait for the gold will end in the 2004 Olympics.

RAJDEEP SINGH, Phagwara

Indian hockey team skipper Dhanraj Pillay and his team-mates deserve praise for beating Australia in the three-nation invitational hockey tournament at Sydney and avenging the defeat at Perth. This remarkable victory will boost the morale of our hockey team which was going through a bad phase. We are proud of the young hockey team for their marvellous performance.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

India participated in the three-nation hockey tournament in Australia. In the final match at Sydney, India defeated Australia. Earlier, India drew with Pakistan 4-4. It was the result of teamwork. Now India must remove certain deficiencies and prepare hard for the Olympics.

B.M. SINGH NARANG, Chandigarh