The state of infrastructure especially for sports in India is heartbreaking.
It makes me angry that Ambani is pitching for the Olympics to be held in India, it is a clever ploy all nationalistic pride on the outside and blatant corruption on the inside.
100%, Aditi. They're already swindling money on land. Getting the Olympics over will give them an excuse to route an even higher portion of taxpayer money to Ahmedabad.
Excellent analysis! Just read the whole thing on Newslaundry and wholeheartedly agree.
I do think that hosting tournaments has benefits, but definitely not in isolation, as Sharda Ugra (whom you aptly quote) notes. It can't alone create an ecosystem which we want, but don't have patience to work towards.
Working on international tournaments over the last 7-8 years has unfortunately only amplified the lack of creativity and vision, and 'chalta hai' mentality at every level here. I go to JLN in Delhi now and again, and it's astonishing to see the understanding of maintenance (and it's one of the better stadiums). The system is so so broken. Somehow it's easier to throw money around than do the actual, sustainable, structural work needed to drive real progress. Sigh, really is heartbreaking.
There couldn't a more apt description of how Indian administrators look at sport than "chalta hai." Like you say, it's just everywhere. Very heartbreaking. And given the people who head the IOA to IOC communication - I wonder if she'll think of hosting an event at Antillia - there is no chance of looking from the ground-up. :/
While the world barrels ahead with collapsing bridges and Olympic dreams, I sometimes wonder if we ever pause to notice the loneliness hanging in the air. This summer of ‘25 gave us more headlines than heartbeats but beneath every crumbled girder, every disbanded football squad and every chaotic ambition, there’s a quieter story. One of people feeling unseen, unheard, unheld. I think of the washroom two floors down, the child waiting for water and wonder who’s checking if the soul of the nation is hydrated?
Maybe some of us are just looking for less noise, more connection. For someone to ask, not what’s next but 'how are you really holding up?
We could host the obstacle race pretty much anywhere though.
We'll hit podium, if not gold, in every event. 🤷
I'm stuck somewhere between a chuckle and a breakdown.
Haha, good place to be!
The state of infrastructure especially for sports in India is heartbreaking.
It makes me angry that Ambani is pitching for the Olympics to be held in India, it is a clever ploy all nationalistic pride on the outside and blatant corruption on the inside.
100%, Aditi. They're already swindling money on land. Getting the Olympics over will give them an excuse to route an even higher portion of taxpayer money to Ahmedabad.
Would be easier to laugh if a stand up wrote this (or your very fine newslaundry piece). It all feels so head-shakingly familiar and inevitable.
Excellent analysis! Just read the whole thing on Newslaundry and wholeheartedly agree.
I do think that hosting tournaments has benefits, but definitely not in isolation, as Sharda Ugra (whom you aptly quote) notes. It can't alone create an ecosystem which we want, but don't have patience to work towards.
Working on international tournaments over the last 7-8 years has unfortunately only amplified the lack of creativity and vision, and 'chalta hai' mentality at every level here. I go to JLN in Delhi now and again, and it's astonishing to see the understanding of maintenance (and it's one of the better stadiums). The system is so so broken. Somehow it's easier to throw money around than do the actual, sustainable, structural work needed to drive real progress. Sigh, really is heartbreaking.
Thank you, Aakriti!
There couldn't a more apt description of how Indian administrators look at sport than "chalta hai." Like you say, it's just everywhere. Very heartbreaking. And given the people who head the IOA to IOC communication - I wonder if she'll think of hosting an event at Antillia - there is no chance of looking from the ground-up. :/
Brilliantly analysed, and articulated.
Thank you!
The satire comes written.’ This is so so so true!
While the world barrels ahead with collapsing bridges and Olympic dreams, I sometimes wonder if we ever pause to notice the loneliness hanging in the air. This summer of ‘25 gave us more headlines than heartbeats but beneath every crumbled girder, every disbanded football squad and every chaotic ambition, there’s a quieter story. One of people feeling unseen, unheard, unheld. I think of the washroom two floors down, the child waiting for water and wonder who’s checking if the soul of the nation is hydrated?
Maybe some of us are just looking for less noise, more connection. For someone to ask, not what’s next but 'how are you really holding up?