A New India
Chapter 260 - 260: Sports in 1955

Amidst the progress in defense, education, and healthcare, a thought had been troubling him, sports.

India, despite its vast talent pool and enthusiasm for sports, lagged far behind globally.

And this will continue even in the future.

Cricket had pockets of success, hockey had brought glory with Olympic golds, but most other sports were in dismal condition.

Not to mention with time if not patched everything will degrade even more.

Rohan pressed the intercom. "Neeraj, come in. I want to discuss something important."

Neeraj, efficient and always prepared, entered the room within minutes. "Yes, Prime Minister?" he asked, carrying his notebook and an expectant expression.

"Sports, Neeraj," Rohan said, gesturing for him to sit. "I want to know the current state of sports in this country. All of it cricket, football, hockey, athletics, and any other sport you can think of. Where are we, and what needs to be done?"

Neeraj raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a broad subject, sir. Do you want an overview or specifics?"

"Both," Rohan replied firmly. "Start with cricket. It's popular, but are we doing enough?"

Neeraj flipped open his notebook. "Cricket is in relatively decent shape, sir. The Ranji Trophy is active, and players like Vinoo Mankad and Polly Umrigar are making a mark. But facilities are poor. Most stadiums lack basic infrastructure. Players train on uneven grounds, and there's no structured pathway for young talent."

Rohan frowned. "So, it's passion over infrastructure. Typical. What about hockey? It's our pride, especially after those Olympic golds."

"Hockey remains our strongest sport," Neeraj said. "We've dominated the Olympics, and players like Balbir Singh are household names. But the situation behind the scenes is grim. Training facilities are sparse, equipment is outdated, and the Indian Hockey Federation is barely scraping by."

"And football?" Rohan pressed. "It's popular in places like Bengal and Goa, but where do we stand nationally?"

Neeraj hesitated. "Football has potential, sir, but no national strategy. Clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are popular, but most players don't even have proper boots. Internationally, we're seen as an amateur team. Our barefoot players are a point of curiosity, but it reflects how underfunded the sport is."

Rohan leaned back, frustration etched on his face. "Barefoot players in 1955? That's unacceptable. And what about athletics? The Olympics are a global stage are we doing anything to prepare for them?"

"Not much, sir," Neeraj admitted. "Apart from hockey, we're barely competitive. Athletes train with outdated techniques, and there's no national program to scout or support talent. Most rely on personal coaches or community support."

Rohan rubbed his temples.

"This is a disgrace, Neeraj. A nation of our size and talent, and we can't even provide basic facilities? What's holding us back?"

"Funding is the biggest issue," Neeraj said. "Sports federations operate on shoestring budgets. There's also no long-term vision. Everyone focuses on short-term wins, not building a sustainable system."

Rohan's eyes narrowed. "Then we create a vision. A national sports policy. I want a strategy that identifies talent, builds infrastructure, and puts India on the global sports map."

Neeraj nodded, scribbling furiously. "What's the priority, sir? Cricket, hockey, or football?"

"Everything," Rohan said firmly. "But let's start with three pillars cricket, hockey, and athletics. Cricket because it unites the nation, hockey because it's our pride, and athletics because the Olympics are where nations prove themselves."

Neeraj looked up. "And what about football?"

"Football needs a grassroots revolution," Rohan replied. "We'll support existing clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, but we also need school and college programs to identify talent. The Santosh Trophy and Durand Cup must be expanded, with proper funding and facilities."

Neeraj jotted down notes, then asked, "And what about infrastructure, sir? Do we build new facilities or improve the existing ones?"

"Both," Rohan said. "Start with regional centers. One in each zone North, South, East, and West. These centers should have facilities for multiple sports training grounds, gyms, swimming pools, and indoor courts. Equip them with modern technology and hire the best coaches."

"And the funding?" Neeraj asked.

"We'll allocate a dedicated budget for sports development," Rohan said. "But we'll also bring in private sponsors. Corporates need to see sports as an investment, not charity. If we create world-class facilities and host tournaments, they'll come."

Neeraj looked thoughtful. "Sir, what about traditional Indian sports like kabaddi, wrestling, and archery? They're popular in rural areas and have deep cultural roots."

Rohan's face lit up. "Good point, Neeraj. These sports have enormous potential. Kabaddi and wrestling already have strong followings. Let's create a national kabaddi league and invest in wrestling academies. And archery it's part of our heritage. Fund archery training centers, and make it a priority in schools."

Neeraj smiled faintly. "This is shaping up to be quite an plan, sir. But what about the Olympics? Competing at that level requires years of preparation."

"For the Olympics, we need a two-pronged approach," Rohan said. "Identify athletes who can compete in the next two Games and provide them with top-notch training. Simultaneously, develop a long-term plan for athletics, swimming, weightlifting, and gymnastics. Bring in foreign coaches if needed, and send our athletes abroad to train."

"And what about cricket?" Neeraj asked. "It's already popular, but should we do more?"

"Absolutely," Rohan said. "Cricket is our unifying sport, but it needs structure. We'll establish cricket academies in every state, with scouts to identify talent from rural areas. Improve the Ranji Trophy's reach, and ensure players have access to proper facilities."

"And hockey?" Neeraj asked.

"Hockey needs sustained attention," Rohan replied. "Start with better training camps and ensure players have access to the best equipment. I want more domestic tournaments to maintain the sport's popularity. And send our team abroad for exposure to international standards."

Neeraj paused, his pen hovering over the page. "Sir, what about accountability? How do we ensure that red tape and nepotism doesn't overtake at grassroot level because the problem with this country is everyone wants to benefit but nobody wants to contribute".

"We'll establish a Sports Development Authority," Rohan said. "This body will oversee funding, infrastructure, and talent scouting. It will report directly to my office, with regular audits to ensure transparency."

Neeraj closed his notebook, looking up at Rohan. "This is a massive undertaking, sir. It will take years to implement."

"Neeraj," Rohan said, his voice calm but resolute, "this isn't just about sports. It's about national pride. When an Indian athlete stands on the podium, holding our flag high, it inspires the entire nation. That's worth every effort."

Neeraj stood, his expression determined. "I'll start drafting the policy immediately, sir. But I'll need input from the Ministry of Sports."

"Call them in," Rohan said. "I want their ideas on my desk by the end of the week. This isn't just a plan, it's a mission."

As Neeraj left, Rohan stared out of the window.

He will finally start working on sports and soon established leagues which will become famous throughout the world.

The world will know India as the golden point for Sports.

Each and Every Sports.