IN A SORRY STATE

As world no. 10 shuttler Saina Nehwal stands to miss a major international tournament, thanks to the indifference of the regional passport office, we ask why sportspersons other than cricketers are meted out the step-child treatment

Shocking’ is perhaps the word to describe it. But maybe it’s just us, and the sportlover in you, feeling this way. For sports in India continues to be in a sorry state (pun intended) –– plagued by many ailments, apathy from the authorities not being the least. Champion shuttler and Hyderabad’s very own Saina Nehwal, is easily one of the most focused and positive individuals you’ll come across. Even after her loss at the Olympic quarter-finals, we remember how quickly she bounced back, with eyes only on the next tournament. However, after futile rounds of the regional passport office in Hyderabad since Wednesday (the due-date for delivery of an additional booklet for her passport), the rare dejection in her voice was more than evident. Saina now stands to miss the World Super Series Masters final, starting December 18 in Malaysia. While Saina shares her disappointment with us, the sporting fraternity voices its support and calls it a matter of national shame.

‘There’s lack of respect for sports’

What does it take to make it to the top in sports? Grit, determination, perseverance? Saina’s got all of that. But after 8 hours of practice everyday, she also has to run to the passport office for days, pleading with them to issue her a new booklet! The teenage prodigy is understandably disappointed as she says, “Sometimes I feel, what’s the use of playing if the people don’t respect it? I am playing for the nation.” She adds, “Except cricket, it seems there’s no point playing any other sport in India! When people abroad learn of things like this, they laugh…when you speak to Malaysians, you know how important sports are to them, they do a lot for the game. Here, it’s not just the passport office; support from other quarters too so little.”

‘It’s shameful for the country’

The country’s top footballer Baichung Bhutia tells us that even in football, there have been similar passport issues, but he doesn’t lay any blame squarely on cricket. He is, however, shocked to learn of this from us, and says, “It’s a matter of shame for the country. Saina’s a national figure and she’s contributed so much to the sport. The government should definitely look into this. She doesn’t want to go for a personal trip, she’s playing for the country!”

‘MS Gill should interfere’

Former national hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay is never the one to mince his words. He says, “It’s really sad that the country’s best badminton player should go through this. Yeh cricketer hote, to policewale andar le jaate, cabin mein bithate, chai pilate aur passport haath mein de dete!” Dhanraj calls for Union Sport Minister MS Gill’s interference here to ensure that things get sorted out. “The way she has been playing, she may become number 1 in a year. The country must take care of such athletes. Unfortunately, only cricket’s given importance here,” he rues, adding, “MS Dhoni wants Black Cat Commandos. Why’s that so important? She just wants her passport!” Saina also has coach Gopichand for support, who has his fingers crossed, as he says, “We’re hoping for developments on Monday…she’s got a chance of doing really well in this tournament.” Knowing Saina, we are sure the girl will overcome this rude shock as well. Indeed, athletes in India learn to season themselves to such indifference and lack of support. There’s already a hint of the usual optimism in her voice as she says, “I still hope things work out.” As for our part, we just hope this reaches the right ears, who instead of making public displays of felicitations, can let Saina do all that she wants – play the game.
hyderabadtimes@indiatimes.com