The national sport of our country is hockey. We have been taught this since kindergarten. But the sad fact is that hockey and many other sports in India are not given the respect they deserve. It’s the case with the players too.
Cricket is more popular because of the assurance of fame, money, jobs, Government awards and other privileges.
Recently, there was a national hockey meet in Chennai where players from many states, who represented our country in the Olympics, also participated. During this tournament, I saw some players, who represented India in the London Olympics, waiting for autos and buses on the platform to get back to their hotels. They couldn’t speak Tamil and were unable to communicate with the auto drivers.
I stepped in to offer help by bargaining with the drivers and put them on their way. The players I spoke too said that they are paid very little and hence cannot afford taxis.
Would this situation ever have occurred to cricketers? Can you imagine a Sachin Tendulkar or a Dhoni waiting for a bus or an auto on the road? Even the advertisers/sponsors prefer cricket to promote their brands and products.
I am very confused: is hockey or cricket the national sport of India?
J. VIGNESH MARCUS, II Year, Gurukul Theological College
Published - October 03, 2012 06:27 pm IST
