Why India needs to restructure grassroots sport development
A country which is recognized as second most populous and diversified in culture's and traditions went total halt due to pandemic. In India non cricketing sports were taking up its shape but this sudden halt majorly affected the overall sports industry in India.
Situation in Indian sport from 2010 - 2020 in short.
Cricket is a sport which unites India. India’s performance at international cricket tournaments, the rise of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and cricketers with various endorsements makes a complete package in terms of popularity. When everyone witnessed the success of a franchise-based model in Indian cricket, many non-cricketing governing bodies in India tried to adopt the same model or tweak the model. Only Indian Super League (Football), Pro Kabaddi League and Premier Badminton league sustained themselves in the race. Athletics Federation of India (AFI) succeeded by supporting the business of road racing and created an environment for recreational and professionals. Sports like Athletics, Field Hockey, Tennis, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Kabaddi are under the aegis of Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs, Government of India. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) kept themselves away from the Ministry of Sport, Youth Affairs. This created two divisions in Indian Sport, which can be categorized as cricket and non-cricket. The two divisions were taking gradual shape pre pandemic.
When the lock-down decision in India was announced the pillars of grassroots sports along with cricket were collapsed. Government of India in 2020-21 slashed its sports budget and cancellation of its flagship initiative “Khelo India Scheme” (Lets Play India Scheme). Also BCCI’s decision to cancel its domestic season also affected cricket community.
Which are the major pillars in the Indian grassroots sports?
· Sports academies,
· Coaches,
· Curators,
· Referees,
· Scorers,
· Sports management professionals, gymkhana staff, club officials.
· Sports equipment and apparel manufactures
These pillars are also ambassadors of the game which belongs to both the divisions are completely collapsed and in need of assistance, guidance from governing bodies and Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. If these pillars are rebuilt strongly then we can start seeing success at district,state,national and at elite level in terms of medal tally and hosting mega sporting events.
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How can governments and federations repair grassroots sports in India?
Financial assistance
It is a key factor to sustain the ecosystem. Due to complete halt of sports in the country there is no income flow in the accounts of federations. Its time to use the reserved funds and provide the ecosystem on quarterly basis. If there are no reserved funds kept by the federations, Ministry of Sports need to utilize its National Sports Development Fund to fill the financial gap. Eg. An initiative run by England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) known as ECB LEAGUE EMERGENCY LOAN SCHEME can be implemented as per Indian standards.
Investment in smart sports infrastructure
Taking into account India's population and availability of resources, if its difficult to start an academy or a sports center, its time to convert unused corporate parks or large parking spaces into smart and sustainable sporting infrastructure for sports like Badminton,Table Tennis,Wrestling,Squash,Boxing etc. Resorts and water parks can create smart solutions for elite athletes who represent water sports. Indian Railways and Port authorities have enormous land under their control, dedicating a small piece for cricket,hockey and football can also help in building sporting success.
Introduction to skill-based courses under sports governing bodies
Introduction to online skill- based training such as project management, health and hygiene programs, digital marketing, event planning, video editing etc will help the federation and government to prepare the individuals in the new normal world or applying similar program run by Cricket Australia to help the staff in finding various job openings.
Conclusion:
The problem of Indian grassroots sport is solvable, Where There Is A Will There Is A Way!
Director-P&L responsibility, Business Development, Strategy Planning, Team Management
3ySuperb analysis, Parth! You have very succinctly analysed the current situation and the factors that led to the current situation. But more importantly, your advice on 'how' to ameliorate the situation is truly insightful. And it is also easy to put into practice, provided there is the will to do so. It surely bodes well for the health of people at large..... Do keep writing!