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Winds of change in sight
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With corporate groups lining up to take care of performing individuals, it is time for sports associations to do some introspection, writes V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM.
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PERFECT INSTANCE: The GVK Group played a significant role in the emergence of Sania Mirza as a champion performer.
THE DEBATE on `sponsorship and Government support' has been continuing for the last few years in sporting circles. But, now the time has come for sports associations to define their roles in clear-cut lines to present themselves with bodies of credibility and genuine concern, if only their primary concern is to promote sport and the performing sportspersons.
For a change, things seem to be moving in the right direction in some of the major disciplines, which otherwise have been hit with gross indiscipline and dirty politics. The surprisingly smooth transition in the Hyderabad Hockey Association, quickly followed by the welcome developments in the Chess Association of Hyderabad are two of the best examples of how one can rise above petty considerations and even set goals, at least, if not achieving them immediately.
By the quirk of fate, the wrangling over the years in some of the State associations invariably brought irreparable damage to the credibility of the body itself, more than the men at the helm. Consequently, it has been the players who have been suffering. For instance, Hyderabad hockey league has been on in a fits-and-starts manner for long, due to internal politics and dispute with the Sports Authority of India over the allotment of the Begumpet Police Stadium.
So is the case with the Chess Association of Hyderabad. With the All-India Chess Federation playing truant for more than a year by forming an ad hoc panel to run the sport in the State, thereby ensuring that all the `yes' men were in-charge to dance to the tunes of the top brass of AICF, the sport has hit a new low. The mere fact that two representatives from the districts had come to blows before the last annual general body meeting was proof of the ugly side of politics the sport had hit. But, better sense prevailed finally and a new body has been formed with the old and the familiar faces missing from it. Maybe, they too have decided to play the waiting game and give newcomers a chance to run the show.
Perhaps, the most pleasing development in the State can well be the taking over of the A.P. Snookers & Billiards Association by Capt. P.V.K. Mohan. For a sport, which was in limbo for more than a decade but for hosting one or two big events, it was almost strongly believed to be dead in the State. The ignominy of the APSBA room being locked and the officials "thrown out" by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh for alleged indiscipline in the name of ensuring play-facilities is still fresh in the minds of its lovers.
Just when hope was fast receding, Capt. P.V.K. Mohan is now promising something totally new, and even take the sport to the districts. A feature, which was almost unthinkable, till a few days ago. Billiards and snooker will now be a regular event in all the districts with coordination from the SAAP and, more importantly, for the city lovers there will be four quality tables for daily practice at the Yousufguda Indoor Stadium. What is significant is not just taking over for the craze of the seat but the genuine love for the sport that matters.
By all means, gentlemen like Capt. Mohan, who is incidentally the managing director of Seaways Shipping Ltd, don't need to stoop low to be the president of a State Sports Association to make some fast money. More than that, it is the reputation of people like him, which should help the sport in a big way. The plain fact that he could already rope in sponsors to take care of the four State-ranking events with prize money of Rs. 1 lakh each, is a perfect example of what a clean individual at the top of the Sports Association can achieve for the good of the game. By ensuring that all the members of the APSBA were or are players, the new body's image has been enhanced in right earnest.
It is always easy to blame the corporate sector for not coming out openly to promote sports. And, then look for Government support. The primary objective of the Government is to set up world-class infrastructure, which it had done so wonderfully for the 32nd National Games spending more than Rs. 130 crores. But to look to it repeatedly, even to organise events at any level, is definitely asking for too much. It is the role of the associations to produce champions and then look for incentives. Now, virtually the Government is almost donning the dual role.Look at the huge cash incentives and the house sites. What more can any performing sportsperson ask for?
Definitely, the question of credibility is the biggest stumbling factor for many sports-loving giants in the private sector. To lure sponsors, the first prerogative of any association should be to maintain a clean slate, have regular elections and see that dynamic and new faces keep coming to wipe off the general impression that the ageing gentlemen are virtually indispensable.
The `veterans' need not be kept away from the scene for they can always don the advisory role by virtue of their vast experience. Things have to change in tune with the time, and this is where the APSBA has set the tone and tenor for others to follow.
Time has also come for the associations to look for pooling of sponsors instead of going for one big title-sponsor. This is the common feature in districts where the local associations so beautifully plan out things with different segments of the society taking care of main aspects like catering, accommodation and prize money. All that they look for is due mileage and recognition of their contribution. This is always understandable and possible only if the event is well organised and merits the attention of the spectators and the other fringe sponsors. The essence of a successful sportsperson lies in the ability to channelise the abundance of talent and marking it later. The latest story of Sania Mirza is a perfect instance of how GVK Group of Industries played a significant role in the emergence of the young girl from Hyderabad as a champion performer. Well, if parents can so meticulously plan out the career of the children, submit the state of expenditure regularly to get the reimbursement from the sponsors, why not the associations with the so-called experience on hand.
Thus, gentlemen, it is time for introspection. The associations' officials should realise why corporate groups are lining up to take care of performing individuals in sports like Pentyala Harikrishna, Koneru Humpy, Sania Mirza to name a few, while showing predictable indifference towards them.
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