Er Rational musings #721

Er Rational musings #721



Part IV



Quest for a medal...



...continued...from part III



Let's now concentrate on some of the games, which are essentially of *individualistic* nature. For example, certain athletics events, swimming and weight lifting.



In these games, one has to compete with himself/herself, first. He/she can practice 'n' number of times, for 'n' number of hours, with minimal resources. For running, one needs an open ground or for that matter, any track, to start with. For swimming, one needs a swimming tank, or a river or a canal, whatever, to start with. For weight lifting, one needs a gym, or just a set of weights, to start with.



And for these 3 games, we are aware of the Records.



A] Athletics



~ Walkathon, Marathon, 100 mtr, 200 mtr, 400 mtr, 1500 mts, 3000 mtr running.

~ Shot put.

~ Long jump.



Let's leave other events like high jump, hurdles, relays, discuss/javeline throw etc. Such games require special sports facility, sports gear/accessories/equipment/kit etc or some are team events and/or require special coaching/training under an expert.



B] Swimming

~ 100 mtr, 200 mtr, 400 mtr; Breast stroke, Butterfly, Free style and Back stroke.



Let's leave other events like diving, synchronised swimming, water polo etc. Such games require special sports facility, sports gear/accessories/equipment/kit etc or some are team events and/or require special coaching/training under an expert.



C] Weight lifting

~ Clean and Jerk, individual weight categories.

~ Snatch, individual weight categories.



The point is, we know the *target* in these games. National records, Asian Games records, SAAF Games records, Commonwealth Games records, Olympic Games records and World records are *known*.



Let's advertise these records. Give wide publicity. Make an announcement. Any individual, from any part of our country has to equal and/or surpass any of the record. Condition being, he/she has to practice on his/her own. And display/perform the feat thrice, within a span of 15 days, in front of Independent panel of juries (essentially a group of sportspersons specifically chosen for this task) The episode will be recored. And then he/she (the winner) can be offered Rs 1 Crore (figure is only illustration, based on what's being offered to our prominent Olympians now). Recipient of this award, the sportsperson who shall achieve this feat, shall be offered a comprehensive Scholarship, which will take care of all his/her needs, be it education, or sports training n all.



Such talent hunting will be easier. Systematic. And target oriented.



For team games and rest of individual games, let's ponder in next edition...

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मिलिंद काळे, मुलुंड पश्चिम, मुंबई

२० सप्टेंम्बर २०१६