Ludhiana: If we want our sportspersons to reach Olympics and Paralympics in their teenage, like in Australia and the USA, we have to start grooming them at an early age with the best infrastructure. This was stated by Olympics discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur, Paralympic archer Harvinder Singh and athlete Nishad Kumar.
The trio visited the city on Sunday to be part of a marathon organised by a hospital at Guru Nanak Stadium. During their visit, Kamalpreet, Harvinder and Nishad talked to the TOI about the need to improve sports infrastructure to produce more Olympic medallists. They also suggested a regular telecast of all sports events, as done for cricket, to create interest among youngsters.
Kamalpreet said, “Professional guidance provided at an early age can play a crucial role in shaping the career of a sportsperson. India’s performance has been commendable in the Tokyo Olympics, but we should not be satisfied with it and put in more efforts to improve the medal tally.”
The event was held at Guru Nanak Stadium where synthetic track was worn out. When the TOI asked Kamalpreet about it, she said, “Yes, I have noticed the condition. It may cause injuries to the players. However, Ludhiana at least has a stadium and some facilities to offer the player, which are missing at the other places. However, if we want more Olympic medals, the government and the sports authorities have to pay attention to the facilities at the ground level.”
Para-archer Harvinder Singh from Haryana, who won a bronze medal in Tokyo Paralympics, is the son of a farmer. He turned his father’s field into his practice ground during the lockdown. Harvinder said, “In foreign countries, authorities have provided the best facilities to their para athletes and other players. From the practice areas to transportation, everything is made according to the needs of the specially-abled players. India lacks efforts in this area. However, gradually things are improving here.”
“Besides sports facilities for para athletes, we need to create awareness among them. People with disabilities lack guidance and motivation to pursue sports. They also need monetary aid to practise. If I talk about archery, the equipment is too costly and not everyone can afford it. We have met many sports officials and ministers and suggested to them to make efforts in this direction. After the best performance of India in the Paralympics, I hope we will see more athletes and players next time,” added Harvinder.
Similarly, para-athlete Nishad Kumar from Una in Himachal, who won a silver medal in high jump, said since his school days he was into sports, but heard of Paralympics only after the Rio Olympics. Nishad said due to lack of sports facilities in Una, he went to Panchkula where his coach Naseem Ahmed noticed his talent and started training him. Since Nishad came from a family with meagre means, his coach took care of his expenses.
Nishad said, “I was into sports since my school, but was not aware that there is a specific category for the disabled people. There must be many talented youngsters who are unaware of the para games. I suggest telecast of all sports events as done in case of cricket, so that youngsters can find the one they can train in.”