A New India
Chapter 262 - 262: List of Sports

The atmosphere in the Ministry of Sports conference room was full with tension and seriousness, something very less known to government officials.

Stacks of papers and reports cluttered the large table where senior officials, experienced bureaucrats, and young officers had gathered.

The Prime Minister's mandate to draft a comprehensive sports development strategy had lit a fire under the ministry, and the pressure to deliver was immense.

It was not daily they were forced to do something they were selected to do.

Mohan Das, the Secretary of Sports, stood at the head of the table, adjusting his glasses.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his tone calm but firm, "we already know cricket, football, and hockey are priorities. These are sports we can't ignore. But our task today is broader. We need a comprehensive list that also includes other sports where India can excel, especially in the Olympics. Let's get started no vague ideas, only solid, well-reasoned suggestions."

The room fell silent for a moment before Ravi Malhotra, one of the younger officers, spoke up. "Athletics, sir. It's the heart of the Olympics, and India has untapped potential in track and field events. We've seen glimpses of success in sprints, javelin, and long-distance running. But we lack proper facilities and coaching."

Suresh Prabhu, a seasoned bureaucrat, frowned. "Athletics is a risky investment. Building tracks, hiring foreign coaches, and maintaining equipment it's a massive undertaking. And let's not forget, our track record in athletics is abysmal."

"That's because we've never invested properly," Ravi shot back. "Most of our athletes come from rural areas and train on dirt fields. With structured programs and funding, we can develop medal contenders."

Anita Sharma, one of the few female officers in the room, nodded. "Ravi's right. Look at Milkha Singh his success wasn't just talent; it was perseverance despite limited resources. Imagine what we could achieve with proper support."

Mohan scribbled in his notebook. "Fine, athletics stays. But we'll need a clear plan for infrastructure and scouting. What's next?"

"Swimming," Anita said. "It's a major Olympic sport with a large medal tally. We have the natural resources coastlines, rivers, urban pools but no professional training programs."

"Swimming is expensive," Suresh interjected. "Building and maintaining pools, hiring coaches, and providing nutritional support it's not practical for our current budget."

"It's an investment," Anita replied, her voice firm. "A country of our size should not be absent in global swimming competitions. We can start small, with regional centers, and expand as we see results."

Mohan nodded thoughtfully. "Swimming stays. What else?"

"Wrestling," Ravi suggested. "It's deeply rooted in our culture, especially in Haryana and Punjab. It's a low-cost sport, and we've already seen success internationally."

"Agreed," Manish Tandon, another senior officer, said. "Wrestling doesn't require massive infrastructure. With focused training and proper nutrition, we can dominate."

"What about weightlifting?" asked Anita. "It's another sport with high medal potential, and we've had some success in the past."

"Weightlifting is risky," Suresh said. "It's notorious for doping scandals. One misstep, and our reputation could be tarnished."

"Then we ensure strict monitoring and anti-doping protocols," Mohan said. "Weightlifting is in, but with a focus on clean sports. Next?"

"Shooting," Anita said. "It's a precision sport where individual talent can shine. With the right support, we could produce world-class shooters."

"Expensive," Suresh muttered. "Rifles, ammunition, ranges it all adds up."

"True," Mohan said, "but shooting has already given us some recognition. It stays. What about badminton?"

"Badminton is a no-brainer," Ravi said. "It's gaining popularity, and players like Nandu Natekar are already making waves. It's fast, competitive, and relatively affordable."

"And it appeals to both urban and rural audiences," Anita added. "We just need better coaching and more tournaments."

Mohan made a note. "Badminton is in. What about boxing?"

"Boxing is crucial," Manish said. "It's low-cost, and states like Manipur and Haryana are already producing excellent boxers."

"Boxing requires proper rings, coaches, and safety equipment," Suresh said. "It's not as simple as it looks."

"And we'll provide it," Mohan replied. "Boxing stays. What about archery?"

"Archery is part of our heritage," Anita said. "Tribal communities already have natural talent. We just need to harness it."

"Fine," Mohan said. "Archery stays. What about gymnastics?"

"Gymnastics is a long-term investment," Ravi said. "It requires specialized equipment and years of training. But if we start now, we could have results in a decade."

"Gymnastics stays," Mohan agreed. "What about cycling?"

"Cycling has potential," Anita said. "It's low-cost and promotes fitness. We can focus on both track cycling and road races."

"Fine," Mohan said. "Cycling is in. What about marathons?"

"Marathons are perfect for us," Ravi said. "We have diverse terrain coastal routes, mountain paths, city roads. They promote fitness and community involvement."

"And they're relatively cheap to organize," Anita added. "Marathons stay. What about non-Olympic sports like kabaddi and MMA?"

"Kabaddi is a must," Manish said. "It's our heritage and deeply rooted in rural India. A national kabaddi league would be a hit."

"And MMA?" Mohan asked.

"MMA has huge potential," Ravi said. "We can integrate traditional martial arts like kalari and kushti. It's modern, exciting, and appeals to the youth."

"Alright," Mohan said. "Kabaddi and MMA are in. Did we miss anything?"

"Table tennis," Anita suggested. "It's gaining popularity in urban areas and has potential in international competitions."

"And rowing," Ravi added. "We have rivers and lakes. It's an Olympic sport we've completely ignored."

Mohan reviewed the list. "Alright, here's what we have: athletics, swimming, wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, badminton, boxing, archery, gymnastics, cycling, marathons, kabaddi, MMA, table tennis, and rowing. This, along with cricket, football, and hockey, will form the backbone of our strategy."

Anita looked around the room. "This list is good and it's realistic. If we execute it properly, it could change Indian sports forever."

Mohan nodded. "Let's finalize it and send it to Neeraj. Once he approves, we'll start developing the strategy. This isn't just about medals, it's about national pride."

As the officials began organizing their notes.

Maybe rarely such ministry actually worked but then again it all falls down to the leader at top what he wants to achieve.