Tired of debating? Have a break... have a Chit Chat - Page 44

I never understood the lack of enthusiasm towards sports in India. For a country of over 1 billion, our Olympic contingent is always small in comparison.

@CG - Team GB had a relatively not so great start at 2012 too, no? They picked up later.

Originally posted by: charminggenie

Oh word on good looking men, Sigh...such a feast for the eyes.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I never understood the lack of enthusiasm towards sports in India. For a country of over 1 billion, our Olympic contingent is always small in comparison.

Most Olympic sports are not popular in the United States. Major league sports are more popular here. But come Olympic season, National Pride is full on. Michael Phelps is legendary. Look at the feverish support the Fierce Five got. Racial tensions of the past few years melt as everyone is cheering on Simone Biles. It should not be that difficult to flip the switch from cricket to the other sports. For all the jingoistic nationalism Indians purport for the silliest reasons, it fizzles and falls flat for a stages that matter like the Olympics.

I think it has to do with independence in decision making and to what extent parents control kids. More "nurture" than "nature" IMO.

Originally posted by: hindu4lyf

Can't believe the William sisters crashed out of the doubles too.

@Hadey- because unlike say US or even China, National Games are not a big deal. They have no coverage, you don't have a University sporting fraternity culture which inculcates passion for other sports. People remember Olympics after every 4 years. Also, i believe you need a huge success story to bring a consistent focus on a sports in India. Shooting has good infrastructure, you consistently produce World Champions. Tennis is ruined by mollycoddling Paes's ego. I think you need success to attract mass following. CWG has more of a fan following because India gets 3rd, 4th Rank. Even Asian games.

Originally posted by: charminggenie

@Hadey- because unlike say US or even China, National Games are not a big deal. They have no coverage, you don't have a University sporting fraternity culture which inculcates passion for other sports. People remember Olympics after every 4 years.

I wouldn't stress over "lack of medals" for India though. Americans cry too - "why are these Asians taking our jobs?", "Why are we lagging in math and science internationally?"

There is no "Medal" for a country winning medals in sports. Different countries, different strokes.

@Hadey- Outside the big States, take North east, Kerala, Jharkhand etc..parents do let their kids enjoy and pursue sports but it's the school/college level where there is lack of infrastructure,competition which puts them at a disadvantage.We need to tap in the rural India for talent which is still not under so much "nurture" demands.

On Nurture - Korea and Japan probably have the hardest peer pressure and family pressure, even more so that in India . Yet they produce medals..correction athletes. How do they manage to strike that balance?