An extraordinary figure in Indian athletics

AT THE age of 75, a normal human being would love to lead a laid- back life. But for Mohammed Ilyas Babar, the Dronacharya Awardee, it is not yet time for such a notion even to flash across his mind. For, he is an extraordinary figure in Indian athletics who produced 17 gold medallists in the Asian Games and Asian Track and Field meets besides many at the national level, during his illustrious coaching stint of nearly three decades. Yet, now those who are at the helm of sports neither bother about his presence nor make optimum use of his rich experience in the art of producing champions.

Just consider these facts. Babar was adjudged `Best Asian coach' and presented Adidas shoe by an experts panel in the 1978 Asian Games and has the unique distinction of producing a gold medallist everytime he monitored a national camp before an international meet. Some of the other stars who blossomed under him were B. S. Barua (gold in 800 m in 1966 Asiad), Deena Ram (gold in ATF, silver in steeplechase in the Asiad), Sriram Singh and Shivnath Singh. Significantly, his trainees were two Padmashri's and five Arjuna Awardees. What more proof is needed of his contribution to Indian athletics?

And yet, Babar doesn't care if there is no invitation. At a time when the State Government is spending Rs. 250 crores on organising the National Games, this very articulate gentleman doesn't figure anywhere in those boardroom strategies by officials sitting in air-conditioned rooms. Perhaps, they love to live in a world of fantasy rather than face the grim realities of the sporspersons toiling on the track and field. ``Unless I am approached, I am not inclined to suggest anything,'' he says quite frankly. For one who dedicated virtually his life for the promotion of athletics in the country without a regular job but for a brief stint of three years in Tisco, Babar is not for cheap publicity.

``Where are the grounds with basic facilities for athletes,'' he questions in a raised voice. ``In those days, Secunderabad was the centre for all athletic activities. Let me remind you that the legendary Milka Singh won his first competitive race at Gymkhana Grounds in 1954,'' he explains. ``The fault lies with both the officials and the athletes. The former for lack of planning and the latter for not having that zeal to excel at the highest level,'' he says to another query. ``And, the parents should take the blame for having a feeling that if one is good in sports, he will be a flop in studies. One can be good in both,'' he added.

What baffles him is the decline in standards when there are so many incentives. ``Those days, the athletes didn't even have quality shoes, leave alone money,'' he remarked. The remedies? ``It would be imperative to remember that some of the finest athletes in Indian history first made a mark at the inter-school and college meets which were regular features then. Now nobody is bothered about this. The few times they are held, it is for namesake,'' he fumed. ``Talent is always hidden not that it is non- existent. Spot it and nurture it properly,'' says the agile coach. ``Imarat banane se kya hota (what is that we gain by building huge infrastructure),'' he exclaimed. He cites a simple example of a man can run beyond his own comprehension. ``If one is chased by a mad dog, just look at the way he sprints. So, create an atmosphere where an athlete can give off his best though not under such crude methods,'' he quipped.

Babar's heart pours out in agony when reminded of his miserable experience during Mr. A.S.V. Prasad's stint as chairman of AP Sports Council. ``I was asked to take care of athletics in the city in 1978. You won't believe me that for 18 months not one athlete turned up for training. In disgust, I left the city for another assignment,'' he recalled. It is pathetic considering the plain truth that some of the most famous names in Indian athletics like Shivnath Singh, winner of gold in Teheran Asiad and three national records holder in 5000, 10,000 and marathon, and Sriram Singh, Asiad gold medallist in 800 m and who picked three golds in the Asian Track and Field meet in 400m, 800m and 4 x 400 m relay once, were his products to name just a couple of athletes from his stable.

Contrary to the general belief that oldies like him have no place in this world of advanced and hi-tech training, Babar reminds that the basics never change. ``After all, it is all about teaching basics and the importance of hard work and dedication. No doubt, there are many better techniques in coaching now-a-days but they all veer around the general aspects like speed, endurance and physical conditioning,'' he pointed out. That he is a disgusted personality with the way some of the officials, coaches and athletes respond to his ideas and suggestions is pretty much evident on his face.

For instance, not many are bothered at his advice to focus mainly on middle and long distance events. ``There is no hope in sprints at the international level. We should not tend to get carried away with the national records set by many,'' is his warning. Why do the Indians fare badly abroad? ``Simple. They just don't try their heart out. The commitment is questionable at the highest level,'' he says. Babar feels it is unfortunate that there is no camp for marathon runners for the coming Asian Games. But he says things may improve if the athletes too, like the boxers who had three-month training in Cuba, are exposed to top-level competition in European circuit. ``It all boils down to simple logic. You can mould a metal into a knife but it will be useless without the cutting edge,'' he says. The vastly experienced coach also feels that peaking at the right time is equally important and this is where a personal trainer could be more handy.

On doping, Babar says he too heard a lot but never had proof of that taking place in his long career. ``You cannot accuse an athlete for all these things only when he sets a new record. But, it is a fact that now-a-days the coaches are better known as doctors,'' he quipped. The qualified NIS coach from the first batch at Patiala says the attitude of an athlete to perform even under adversity is important. He recalls yet another glorious chapter in Indian history. Just before the Jalandhar National meet in 1978, Shivnath's father died. Instead of skipping the event, he tonsured his head and preferred to pay his respects to his father by winning golds in 5,000, 10,000 and marathon. ``What drugs did he take?'' he asks.

Though the highly respected figure is staying in a rented house near Toli Chowkhi looking after his big family of five sons and four daughters, Babar doesn't try to convey an impression that he is on the look out for some help. ``I am happy with what the Almighty has given. It is not my nature to go around with a begging bowl,'' he says.

V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM

Hyderabad

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