Message to Sportspersons: Focus on Performance, Don’t be Cry Baby
Even if some people may slam and criticise me for this editorial, I would prefer to speak my heart and mind so that I can do justice to my journalistic instinct. We all are upset, as our state’s pride Dutee Chand crashed out of Rio 2016 on a disappointing note.
She produced a below par performance to finish 7th in her hit and failed to qualify for the semifinals. She got 50th position overall. Well, India is yet to open its account at Rio 2016. Many prospective medal winners had to bite the dust. Then, why we are debating Dutee only?
After all, Dutee became the first Indian Woman to qualify for 100m sprint event at the Olympics. She also became the first Indian Woman athlete to qualify for Olympics track and field after 36 years.
Everyone sympathised with her when she faced a ban for no fault of hers. The nation supported her in tough times. And, entire Odisha stood behind her. But, did Dutee give her best? Of course, not. It’s not that she faltered. Many did. But, her focus was more on other activities than her event.
After qualifying for 200m, Srabani Nanda focused on training, but Dutee was found busy in press meets, TV interviews and other programs. She was gifted a XUV 500 from Mahindra Group when she expressed her desire to buy it. She got a flat in Bhubaneswar from KIIT Founder Achyuta Samanta. When she complained of lack of support, CM Naveen Patnaik announced an incentive of Rs 10 lakh to her along with others. In TV interviews, she expressed her desire to join politics, which did not go well with others.
Out of 118 Olympic-bound sportspersons, nobody complained. But, Dutee slammed the officials and lamented that she did not get a Business Class travel to Rio. That was enough for the media to embarrass the Indian officials as well the contingent.
Dutee had been in the news for different reasons than Sports. But, the entire nation rallied behind her. Everyone prayed for her success and their dreams got shattered when she failed. Dutee still has a long way to go. At 20, she has the energy and support to prepare for the next Olympics. But, she must stay away from media glare and avoid controversies.
Everyone salutes the rising Sun. Nation wants the best out of her. Whatever she is getting today because of her hard work, relentless efforts and strong determination. They will continue to support her. But, it’s up to her to fulfil the aspirations of a nation of 1.25 billion. Mere complaining won’t help. Focus on performance. Only that matters in the end.