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Indians should copy the British in Olympics

If India decides to care about the Olympics, it must approach the task professionally, writes Peter Roebuck

India’s lowly position on the medals table at Beijing indicates its lack of focus on the Olympics. It was not so long ago that Great Britain’s tally was almost as modest. Now that misty island stands third on the gold medal list, behind China, with its population and determination, and United States, with its vast pool of talent. If India wants to rise then it could copy the British.

Embarrassed by past performances and anxious to raise standards before the forthcoming London Olympics, Britain developed a three-part plan. Realising that better facilities were needed, it set about building gymnasiums and cycling tracks and so forth.

Previously the nation had rejoiced in valiant amateurism. Locals saw themselves as eccentric and slightly superior, but their approach was outdated. Fortunately the National Lottery provided the money needed for construction and hiring the best coaches.

Immigrant talent

Next the British set out to exploit the athletic talent possessed by immigrant communities, especially those of African heritage. No resource can be wasted. Over the years soccer had had the same idea. To its frustration, English cricket has fewer black settlers than it did 30 years ago.

Anyone watching the British performances in Beijing will appreciate the part played in track and field by black athletes. Nor were they flying a flag of convenience. Many of them are third-generation settlers. Not that Britain alone has benefited. Kenyan runners pop up all over the place.

Britain’s third strategy was its most astute. Students of the Olympics know that the medals table is lopsided. A country can win a team sport like soccer or basketball or hockey and collect a single gold medal. Even the finest athletes can only hope to appear on the podium two or three times.

Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter ever born, a man who glides whilst others pound, a slim sportsman with no hint of steroids about him, only took part in three events. Unlike the swimmers, he cannot dash 50m, or run backwards, or hop. It is grossly unfair.

The British decided to concentrate on events with more variations than Elgar, and lots of medals. Sailing, rowing and cycling fitted the bill. And all of them are familiar. After all there is no shortage of river or sea water, and the roads are often packed. Moreover rowing has singles and doubles and foursomes, and all sorts of boats, and men and women as well.

And the same applies to sailing. It is a distortion and Britain has been shrewd enough to exploit it. Resources were poured into these pursuits. Britain did not attempt to shine in everything. But success spreads like melted butter.

Requisite strategy

If India decides to care about the Olympics, and it’s not compulsory, then it might study these strategies. Improving facilities and coaching is the first step. Happily there seems to be an abundance of sporting rupees around. Some of it must be in government hands. Identifying and developing talent is the next stage. Professionalism is required or the cause is lost. Competitors must emerge because of the programme, not despite it.

Most of all, India must play to its strengths. Some sports are as foreign as black pudding. But shooting, boxing, archery, badminton and weightlifting are known. And how about kabaddi? All sorts of strange sports are played at the Olympics, including synchronised swimming, dressage, softball and BMX bike riding. It seems random. And chess? Squash? India plays them well and can advocate their inclusion.

Ultimately, though, it’s not about seeking an advantage. It’s about excellence, and that requires organisation and application. Is India up to it?

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