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The making of sporting heroes
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Given the right impetus, budding sportspersons from the state canshine bright
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The popularity of the ongoing FIFA World Cup and the huge fan following that the event has attracted in many cities should open the eyes of sports administrators and sponsors in Hyderabad that sports lovers in this country are not focussed only on cricket. They are quite open to following other sports also if the events are organised in a fitting manner, generate exciting competitions and are given wide publicity.
The success attained by sportspersons from Andhra Pradesh such as Gagan Narang, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, S. Geetha, P. Shankar, Koneru Humpy, P. Harikrishna and also many promising young chess players have drawn attention to the fact that there is plenty of talent available in the state. And their feats can attract substantial amount of attention.
The Hyderabad 10K Foundation for example has been trying to promote various sportspersons and sports activities. For one thing, it has done a good job of attracting young children to road races and athletics and this is noteworthy since it is essentially a very demanding sport and one which does not have the glamour associated with cricket or tennis.
Road races which are conducted in Hyderabad quite regularly both by the 10K Foundation and the Hyderabad District Athletic Association do attract youth and children in large numbers and according to athletics coach Rajesh Kumar, there are many children among them who have tremendous potential.
Not only Rajesh but several other coaches are of the opinion that it may not be long before some talented juniors hit the headlines in a big way.
"Whenever cash awards are presented in addition to medals, we get an even bigger response and more such meets have to be conducted," Rajesh says. "Given the right kind of encouragement and facilities, there is no reason why athletes from our state should not be able to reach much higher levels. Our juniors are doing extremely well and I feel our state has the potential to become a powerhouse in this sport in a few years time. But that is, provided the right steps are taken now," Rajesh says.
"These budding stars need financial support on a large scale. They need a good diet, for athletics is all about building up stamina, strength and endurance. They also need better equipment, particularly those who take part in field events. And it is here that sponsors have to take the cue and realise the potential that can be harnessed and utilised in a way that will benefit themselves as well as the sportspersons and the sport that is being promoted," he adds.
ABHIJIT SEN GUPTA
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