From time to time, Indian athletes and sports persons are nominated to the Rajya Sabha in the hope that they would do something to better the lot of sports persons in the country. We anticipate that with the benefit of their personal experiences and the benefit of fame, they are able to make useful and significant contributions to resolving issues faced by sports people and promoting various sports. While some ex cricketers like Navjot Singh Sidhu who recently resigned from the Rajya Sabha keep the nation guessing about his future political plans, others may or may not be doing their jobs.
Yesterday, India’s most celebrated boxer, Olympic medal and five time world boxing championship winner Mary Kom spoke out for Indian sportspersons who face poor facilities and many other difficulties. This was her first intervention since she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in April this year. "Sir, what plans does the government have to increase the budget and promote Olympic sports?" she asked.
She touched on the often overlooked aspect of the food and training provided to players participating in international sports fixtures. Timely and proper diet is a vitally important but sometimes the food would arrive just as the athletes were leaving for their competition she said, possibly drawing upon her own experiences.
Former hockey player from Odisha, Dilip Tirkey is currently the MP for Rajya Sabha from the Biju Janata Dal. He also champions the cause of sportspersons and raised the issue of budget for sportspersons in parliament yesterday. He pointed out that cricketers have it really good because of huge sponsorships and the cash rich BCCI. However, he called for more funding for other sports, especially rural sport. He feels that the Rs 143 crore in the nation’s sports fund should be utilised to start training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics from now. Tirkey’s own humble beginnings and his adivasi background means that he brings a valuable personal insight to his job.
India's most beloved cricketer has not covered himself in glory at the Rajya Sabha unfortunately. He rarely, if ever, attends sessions and has so far not participated in any debates, nor has he asked any questions about bills and other issues. His Rajya Sabha attendance is a lamentable 7%. Many are wondering why he accepted the RS nomination at all; some MPs are even calling for his resignation now.
Tendulkar was seen in parliament on Monday with a walking stick and knee brace following a knee surgery. This is his first appearance since the Monsoon Session began on 18 July. Will this improve his so far ‘limping’ performance in the Rajya Sabha or were those MPs right in demanding his resignation?
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