Sports scribes in Odisha drawn back by reluctance!

Bhubaneswar, June 10 (Reporters Today Bureau): Odisha is emerging as a sports incubator due to the State Government’s efforts. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been personally taking care of development of sports.

It started with development of hockey. Gradually it moved to football, badminton etc. Players from the State have been shining at national and international spheres also which augur well. Today Odisha, which once was described as the cradle of the game, has become the cynosure of all eyes for the standard of the game and development of infrastructure. It is also lauded at international fora for the standard it has set for the game.

But, to say that everything is well is not correct. It still remains to be highlighted more which is not happening. State’s sports journalists responsible for highlighting the different aspects appear not to keen to bring things up through their writings over and above the ‘Press Releases’ issued by the Government from time to time. The darker sides should also be highlighted and authorities informed as to what more can be done to take the level of sports in State to another level.

These scribes know that pen is mightier than sword. Their writings can influence government decisions and help the state achieve more laurels at both national and international spheres.

Odisha has produced Pramod Bhagat who won a Gold in Paralympics few years ago. But more Pramods are needed to be nurtured to propel the State to greater heights. Hockey needs no mention. A good number of Odisha players have not only made it to national and international events in both Men’s and Women’s teams but made both the State and the country proud.

There is murmur about slack in selection of players for different games to represent Odisha outside. The recent ONE  being selection for Khelo India. The selection, experts believe, was not proper. This is because earlier, there were several sportspersons   who represented the State and brought glory. Sadly this did not find mention in the reports of our sports journalist who are not only well known but very competent.

This triggers a question in the mind of sensible persons. Is it because these scribes are afraid of the babus in charge of the department? Is it that the authorities in the department harbor grudge against any scribe who dare to highlight the ‘lapses’ of the department?

There are many instances. But it is not possible to deal with them in this report in detail.

It would augur well for sports in Odisha if our eminent sports scribes delve deeper into the affairs of the concerned authorities, establishments and persons and highlight the lacunae that creates confusion in the minds of the people.

This is perhaps the most opportune time when the State has a person as Chief Minister who once played a game and is keen to take sports to the next level shedding the ‘Backward’ tag.

Surjit Dhal