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And the show did go on
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The State Games have galvanised the Olympic Movement in Karnataka
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Srinandu powering his way to victory. — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.
REVIVED AFTER a gap of six years, the State Games fell a bit short on competition but has gone some way in galvanising the Olympic Movement in Karnataka. And now it is stocktaking time at the Karnataka Olympic Association. The State Games, involving more than a 1,000 participants in 23 disciplines spread over four hectic days and several venues, kept the KOA machinery working overtime last week. The balance sheet is yet to come out. So there is no way to judge whether the means justified the end. The revival of the games is no doubt a positive development. But the general impression is that the huge organisational effort and the kind of money that went into the Games could not ultimately create the desired impact. Without taking the credit away from KOA for taking up a task as big as this, it should be emphasised that the Games failed to stir the kind of passion multi-disciplined events of this size ought to.
Vijaya Bank won the basketball match against MEG
In some disciplines, the competition was quite stiff, and in some, woefully one-sided. The domination of Bangalore was complete to the point of causing several embarrassing moments to the rest. Somehow the Games fell short of that wholesome look since half a dozen of the districts got into the field. Several promising youngsters who have already broken into the national scene had it ridiculously easy here. Sheetal Goutham for one has seen decidedly better company than the one she was pitted against in tennis. Things have not been too rosy for her of late but a victory here was a clear sign that this doughty lass is fighting her way back to the mainstream.
Mohammed Muddassir (centre) outclassed senior champion Vilas Nilgund (right) in the 100 metres sprint
Ambica Iyengar had a trouble-free run during the Games. There was hardly any quality in the opposition to test her inherent skills. Mohammed Muddassir is the State's fastest. The significant aspect of his victory was that this talented junior is making an impact among the senior ranks. Thus his victory over Vilas Nilgund should be a pleasing turnout for Muddassir.
B.P. Aman of ASC (centre) spearheaded his team to victory over the fancied MEG in the volleyball event.
ASC made a rare appearance in the State-level volleyball and a winning one at that. It clearly should help reorganise the volleyball order in the State now that this well-knit army unit is back in operation. This should clearly be a wake-up call for such strong sides as MEG, Postal, KSP, and AGORC.
Women's singles champion Sheetal Goutham packed quite a punch.
There is no stopping Vijaya Bank when it comes to basketball. The side could afford to play without stalwarts like Goutham and Murali Mohan and still pack too strong a punch for the rest. It shows how well endowed Vijaya Bank's bench is. They may even question whether the event was worth the effort and money that went in.
At the end of it all, tradition found an expression and KOA feels reasonably happy that it has galvanised the Olympic Movement in the State. Critics may still carp over the poor quality fare that was dished out in many disciplines. KOA chief Govindaraj has assured the sporting fraternity that the Games would be a biennial feature with the intent to pan out to various districts.
H.S. MANJUNATH
Photos: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
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