In a chat with TNIE, former international athlete, Anju Bobby George, talks about the neglect in sports in Kerala.
Here are the excerpts:
How do you evaluate Kerala’s current status of sports?
Kerala had been leading in many sporting events, but now there is a sudden dip. We see athletes and coaches flagging the neglect in sports school facilities, nutrition, salaries and pensions for coaches, etc. The governments have done a lot of infrastructural developments, but investment in human resources is also necessary.
What areas do you think the next government should focus on?
Aspects like athletes’ and coaches’ welfare, and improving training facilities. For example, we have Odisha Sports run by the state government, which has come a long way through the right approaches.
Does the state have ample support and job security for sports persons?
It is not up to the mark, I should say. Most of us are working outside the state as it’s difficult to find a job here based on our education and medals. Something needs to be done about this.
Will the participation of more sports persons in politics bring any change?
I don’t think so. Some people can manage well, yes, but I don’t think being a good sportsperson will make you a great politician.
If the sports sector is given proper care, what do you believe can be achieved by Kerala in the near future?
We have the Commonwealth Games coming to India in 2030, and probably the Olympics in 2036. Kerala should invest in a bigger number of athletes. So whoever is going to lead the system should work for it.