Date:13/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/13/stories/2008031356942000.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Cuban delegation impressed

NEW DELHI: A four-member delegation from Cuba drew a rosy picture of Indian sports infrastructure and expressed optimism on the ability of the nation to excel at the international level.

After travelling through 34 cities during its 40-day tour, the delegation met Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar here on Wednesday. The delegation will submit a detailed report later.

The delegation was impressed by the facilities and termed it “excellent” even as the infrastructure was described as “magnificent.” The delegation met about 1200 trainees and physical education instructors.

Among their suggestions was the need to create a huge pool of talent for excellence in sports on the lines of the system back in Cuba. The Cuban system boasts of a perfect integration of academics and sports. The delegation highlighted the fact that in 30 years the system identified talent at the school level that fetched the country 156 medals at the Olympics.

With a pool of 200 million school children, the delegation observed that India could achieve success at the international level. All it needed was the country to put a comprehensive sports policy and identify talent at the school level.

The delegation, comprising Messrs Jose Reviera Rodriguez, Eryes Lopez, Lazzaro Fernandez Kastillano and Melins Llisastigui Aviles, also advised the government to have in place good anti-doping labs.