The entire nation is talking about this guy, Abhinav Bindra. And why not, he’s done what no other Indian has, ever. The newspapers yesterday had around five pages filled with his pictures, articles about him, quotes from his parents, teachers, the who’s who of the nation and even the general public. But what really attracted my attention was the list of cash awards competitively announced by the government, some sports associations, etc. The total, it seems, comes to Rs.2 cr. Why award him with cash, I ask. Where were these people all this while? How has the government been instrumental in shaping this talented boy’s career? He is here today, due to the support and encouragement of his parents, both moral and financial; plus his own determination and drive to make it. Had his father not provided him with all that was required for his training in terms of infrastructure, coaching and world-class gear; despite being talented, would he have made it so far? I doubt it. Would the government have stepped-in to help him then? This, I say because other forms of sport apart from cricket are almost invisible in our country, no? And we know of a lot of talented people into athletics, etc. who cannot realize their dreams of making it big in the world of sports mainly due to the lack of financial support. Money-wise, just think, to someone who’s been gifted a hotel worth Rs.200 cr. by his dad, does this sum of Rs.2 cr. matter as much as it would to some other deprived sportsperson? Come on, let’s not insult him.
Just because he’s won, there is a whole crowd of people trying to grab credit for his success. (Déjà vu? Of course, basking in reflected glory is a national hobby!)
Honestly, how many sports enthusiasts even knew that he was going to the Olympics to represent India? But yeah, of course, the same people would know the names of all the eleven players and the coach and the extras of even one of those stupid IPL teams. Abhinav, on his win, said that he hopes this will help change the attitude of Indians towards the Olympics. I hope I live to see a day like that. ‘Hum honge kaamyaab ek din?’
Here’s a ‘mast’ quote from the ‘golden-eyed man’ himself: When asked by a foreign reporter, “What do you do for a living?”, Abhinav is reported to have said, “Drilling holes in black paper for 10 years. That’s what I do for a living.” Whoa!!!
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