The recent Olympic Result for India - the medal count - compared to our athlete count is not great. But of course we know the hard work that goes behind it by the sports loving youth. I won't talk about few recent athletes who scored, of course they did great, and others did good as well. But my thoughts here are for all and future aspirants.
We hope for the change with every new government, we hope for the good steps by government and better results. No matter what they promise and achieve we will never be satisfied and we should never as well so that bar keeps going higher and higher. But again my thoughts here are not even for the government's failure. We can blame government for not doing what they can, the current government will blame previous one, will say 70 yrs congress/others didn't do this and that - that will be true or partly true but the real effort is not required from the government - trust me.
The real issue is your and mine, your family and my family's thoughts, their belief. I was an average to good football/soccer player, when I was in 8th standard, looking at my game, the sports teacher allowed me to play in school's senior team (since one player got sick), so I played and scored two goals, we won due to my efforts (its true). Next two years I played many matches, got name and accolades in regional meets and was chosen for state level matches, I excelled from good to better if not great, but could not proceed since board exams arrived, and study and study and look for jobs and what not - became more important. Of course those other things were more important for me and my family then (with the state we were in that time) and so I don't blame anyone but me.
As much as effort is required by government, it is more on us now (since we are parents), to overcome and erase the hard etched line - "Beta/Beti... future sirf padhai me hai, ye sports wagerah me kuch nahi rakha hai, jyada se jyada sports quota me koi job milega. Ye sab bhulo aur padhai me mann lagao" - Am sure you are familiar with it, it was and I believe still it is DO ANYTHING BUT SPORTS.
This mentality results in low medal count. Period. So you already know whom to blame, that's you and me. Once we start taking interest, government has to rise as well. I also request you to think beyond cricket, football or whatever sports these tv channels promote for their own good. Try to see the potential in your kid, see their interest, help them achieve their sports related goals, and if they opt for sports career, please allow them.
I think 16 is the right age for them to decide but 8+ to 16 is for you to help them work and stick to their interest - this applies to anything, not only the sports. For one please come out of mode that you can shape their life and career, no, you can not, and should not, you can just assist them in what they want to do (what here = good stuff not bad). when they are mid way i.e. 12+ make them understand the value and importance of study/knowledge but don't put pressure to choose xyz career, let them know all the options, tell them they have next 4-8 years to go towards one thing or other but keep studying as well.
But again don't expect medals or money - Your kid's success is not your success - your success is only and only in helping one to become a good sports-person (or a good person), once you succeed forget about the outcome, its their life and their choice.
Your Olympic Starts Now...
