New Delhi: Winter sport athletes of India are feeling neglected when a booming industry could have been created courtesy the enchanting Himalayan range, reckons Shiva Keshavan, who waited till the end of his 25-year long career to get recognition for his achievements.
Keshavan, the youngest ever luger to compete at Winter Olympics as a 16-year-old in Nagano, Japan in 1998, recently received the prestigious Arjuna award, the first for a winter sport athlete.
The 39-year-old luger, who retired after the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea said the honour has created some hope for the neglected lot.
“Winter sports athletes feel neglected due to the lack of awareness, understanding or attention from the administration. This Arjuna recognition is like a ray of hope for everyone,” Keshavan told PTI from his village near Manali.
“I am surprised that winter sports has not boomed in India yet, considering that it is a multi-billion dollar global industry.
“With my experience of travelling to winter sports venues around the world, I can tell you that the Himalayas in India provide the best natural environment for these activities.
“However, we need to invest in world-class sports infrastructure first so that the sport becomes accessible and become the base for sustainable tourism.”
There are four winter sport federations enjoying full membership of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), but they are not recognised by the Sports Ministry.
This means athletes struggle for funds and their progress suffers due to the lack of proper infrastructure.
“At the same time the central government has started investing in Khelo India Winter Games and creating infrastructure, which is a big step forward,” he said.
He explained why India could be an excellent destination for winter sport, which would also result in promoting tourism. “The entire surrounding mountains of the Kullu valley are great locations. You have the Chandrakani range, the Bara Banghal range, the Friendship range, just to name a few. Then there is the entire Lahaul and Spiti valleys that are now accessible through the Atal tunnel. These areas have thousands of hectares of winter sport terrain.
“Indoor winter sports such as ice skating, ice hockey, curling have great potential in urban areas as well, like Shimla, Dharamsala and Manali.”
While Keshavan is extremely pleased that the central government recognised his achievements, it baffles him that his own state government has not taken much note of his efforts.AGENCIES
Keshavan, the youngest ever luger to compete at Winter Olympics as a 16-year-old in Nagano, Japan in 1998, recently received the prestigious Arjuna award, the first for a winter sport athlete.
The 39-year-old luger, who retired after the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea said the honour has created some hope for the neglected lot.
“Winter sports athletes feel neglected due to the lack of awareness, understanding or attention from the administration. This Arjuna recognition is like a ray of hope for everyone,” Keshavan told PTI from his village near Manali.
“I am surprised that winter sports has not boomed in India yet, considering that it is a multi-billion dollar global industry.
“With my experience of travelling to winter sports venues around the world, I can tell you that the Himalayas in India provide the best natural environment for these activities.
“However, we need to invest in world-class sports infrastructure first so that the sport becomes accessible and become the base for sustainable tourism.”
There are four winter sport federations enjoying full membership of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), but they are not recognised by the Sports Ministry.
This means athletes struggle for funds and their progress suffers due to the lack of proper infrastructure.
“At the same time the central government has started investing in Khelo India Winter Games and creating infrastructure, which is a big step forward,” he said.
He explained why India could be an excellent destination for winter sport, which would also result in promoting tourism. “The entire surrounding mountains of the Kullu valley are great locations. You have the Chandrakani range, the Bara Banghal range, the Friendship range, just to name a few. Then there is the entire Lahaul and Spiti valleys that are now accessible through the Atal tunnel. These areas have thousands of hectares of winter sport terrain.
“Indoor winter sports such as ice skating, ice hockey, curling have great potential in urban areas as well, like Shimla, Dharamsala and Manali.”
While Keshavan is extremely pleased that the central government recognised his achievements, it baffles him that his own state government has not taken much note of his efforts.AGENCIES
Attachments area
