He inspired millions

K DATTA

Roger Bannister Sir Roger Bannister, who passed away last month at 88, was one of the most worshipped athletes in the world for breaking one of the most important track barriers of the last century. However, strange though it may seem, the legendary athlete coveted his Commonwealth gold medal much more than clocking the sub-four-minute mile.
Bannister, who took up running only because his dream to become an oarsman failed to materialise due to his lack of weight, was often criticised by the press during his running days as it perceived his training methods as faulty.
He was nicknamed the "lone wolf miler" because he preferred to work on his own training schedule to fit with his studies rather than depend on coaches. And he produced a result that inspired and continues to inspire millions.

'Beti Khilao' !

Dilip Tirkey Former hockey stalwart Dilip Tirkey, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, last month on the International Women's Day, congratulated the country's sportswomen on their fine achievements in the recent past and urged the government to ensure that sports is promoted, especially for the girl child. The House could do little serious business on many days of the budget session of Parliament because of disruptions by agitating members, but the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member somehow managed to get in a good word for the country's sporting betis on the occasion of the International Women's Day.
With Indian women outperforming males in various areas, Tirkey said that the government should add sports to their 'Beti bachao beti padhao' initiative, and accordingly, make it 'Beti bachao beti padhao beti khilao.' . .
Shooting as a sport has taken long strides in India since the days of Maharaja Karmi Singh of Bikaner and Raja Randhir Singh of the Patiala princely family. Once after returning from the Olympic Games Karni Singh lamented: "I shot 98 but there were four more better than me". Now there are quite a few in the country with medals dangling down their necks. Last month at Guadalajara, Mexico, a 16-year-old from Haryana sensationally reached golden heights in the World Cupand made it a double in the mixed event.
It was Manu Bhaker's maiden appearance in an international appearance of the highest class. Being an Olympic Games (Athens 2004) silver medalist himself, sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore must have felt specially delighted by the Jhajjar schoolgirl's feat. Come on, girls!

Sardar of hockey

For the first time in many years, the Indian team at the Commonwealth Games in Australia this month will miss the familiar figure of Sardar Singh. Is the door shut on India's 'Sardar of midfield' ? Availability of abundant talent and demands of utmost fitness resulted in the exclusion of the former captain, who is 31.
There are many who believe too much should not read into this particular selection, or, rather, ommission, and Sardar has it in him to bounce back in time for the Asian Games and the World Cup. To those who say that, at 31, he is not as fast as players should be in modern hockey, Sardar asks when was he selected for his speed alone.
While Sardar believes he is fit, coach Sjoerd Marijne was fair enough to outline his reasons for leaving out Sardar, but at the same time declare that Sardar will be there in the list of 24 after the Commonwealth Games. Even if he can't for some reason get his place back, Sardar has done enough and should feel proud of his long years of service to the Indian hockey team. .



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