Where’s the sporting spirit?
GREGORY E DE SOUZA
The Lusofonia Games have been in the news lately bringing many political feelings to light. Should these feelings towards the games be placed above the real spirit of sports?
The CM has said that he is forced to see that the infrastructure is ready on time but has stated that his heart is not with the games. The recent downpour has only helped the agitators in their belief that even the rain gods are on their side. I think it would be wise if the CM had not committed himself in the first place.
His colleague Vishnu Wagh has been very vocal against the games even though the best sport stadium is being constructed in his constituency, which will definitely give a boost to the locals.
What is interesting to note however is that objections against the games may have a Portuguese link. We as citizens of India fail to realise that the rest of India was ruled by the British and partly by the French as well and that India continues to be a Commonwealth member. India went on to successively bid for hoisting the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in great Indian style topped off with the cherry of corruption. There has not been any Indian protest against these games. Though Indians suffered at the hands of the British rulers and soldiers, we still welcome them with open arms.
Indians are also the largest immigrants among these foreign countries. Why is it so? Let’s stop playing politics, one cannot use religion, caste and now sports to remain in the limelight to obtain financial benefits for personnel gains.
We need to move forward and try to create history. Political motives will not take us forward. The new generation has advanced and is smart enough to think of the challenges ahead. There is no use in rewinding the clock.
I believe that the Lusofonia Games have to be postponed for at least two months if they are to be held in Goa with dignity and pride. And goenkars should be proud of it. These games will give the Goan sportsperson the much needed international exposure.
Let us allow the games to be the winners keeping in mind that the money spent is the total contribution of all Indian citizens who pay their taxes. It does not belong to any political party. It’s about time we sit back and enjoy the games after the hard day’s work.
