Sushil Kumar’s performance at the 2018 edition of Asian Games opened the floodgates to criticism. Especially since the Olympian skipped trials and was given an automatic berth in the Indian contingent.
This comes as no surprise to Colorbar’s Samir Modi, who was a state-level boxing champion in his younger days. “India is not a fair selection country. Be it in any sport, at any level — national or state,” Modi told ETPanache.
“One of my nephews is an ardent cricketer. He wins a lot of trophies, [and has] never lost a match. But will he make it? You have to know somebody who knows somebody. There are five good players, five sifarish ke [those who got in because of recommendations]. It doesn’t matter. The system is like that.”
Sushil Kumar To simplify his point, Modi drew an analogy with film auditions. “If you have a movie with a role for Shah Rukh, will you ask him to audition for it? If he says yes, you take him. It is somewhat similar. Otherwise what’s the point of you being a winner,” he said.
When asked if the analogy is accurate, considering that aspects like form and fitness are integral to sports, he responded, “I’m not comparing the two. But I’m saying that when you build a legacy, at times you just expect that you will perform. But every sportsman cannot perform 100 per cent. Someone should put this from Sushil’s point of view. Jab woh ring mein gaya tha toh kya feel kar raha tha? Kya situation thi? Comment karnewale toh bahut hain. Ring mein to aao. [What was Sushil feeling when he was in the ring? What was the situation? There are many who comment. They should get in the ring first] There are two sides to a coin.”
ADVERTISEMENT
And his final salvo: “If he had won, would you question why he was selected? You would say, of course, that was the right choice. It’s a question of perspective.” History, after all, is written by the victors.
The Gems Of India Continue To Shine Bright: Power Girls Making Us Proud At Asian Games
1/13
She came on the field, she played like a hero and left the stadium with more than a medal. What she wore was a sense of glory, victory and the honour of making her country proud. This is what the winners at the Asian Games have been living.
The ongoing games have seen strong and talented women bring home joy and glory.
Here's a look the women from Team India who are winning our hearts.
In Pic: Tennis player Ankita Raina (L), Shooter Rahi Sarnobat (C) and Wrestler Vinesh Phogat (R).
She came on the field, she played like a hero and left the stadium with more than a medal. What she wore was a sense of glory, victory and the honour of making her country proud. This is what the win..
Read More
Pincky Balhara recently bagged the silver medal at the Asian Games 2018 for Kurash, a martial arts sport. The 19-year old girl had surpassed a serious tragedy at home and still managed to perform exceptionally at the games. The Delhi girl lost three of her family members, including her father, three months before the final event. But these did not become a hurdle in Balhara's way to victory.
Pincky Balhara recently bagged the silver medal at the Asian Games 2018 for Kurash, a martial arts sport. The 19-year old girl had surpassed a serious tragedy at home and still managed to perform e..
Read More
Dipika Pallikal is an Indian professional squash player who won the bronze medal in the squash women's singles event at the Asian Games recently. The 26-year-old hails from Chennai and gained prominence in the year 2011.
Dipika Pallikal is an Indian professional squash player who won the bronze medal in the squash women's singles event at the Asian Games recently. The 26-year-old hails from Chennai and gained promi..
Read More
Swapna Barman created history as she became the first Indian woman to achieve a top podium finish in the gruelling heptathlon event at the Asian Games.
The daughter of a van rickshaw puller, Barman was born with six toes on each foot.
The heptathlon is a seven-event contest which covers a range of track and field events and is spread over two days.
Swapna Barman created history as she became the first Indian woman to achieve a top podium finish in the gruelling heptathlon event at the Asian Games.
The daughter of a van rickshaw puller, Barman ..
Read More
Neena Varakil bagged a silver medal in the women's long jump category. The 27-year old's final winning jump was 6.1 metres, a little lesser than her personal best (6.6 metres).
Neena Varakil bagged a silver medal in the women's long jump category. The 27-year old's final winning jump was 6.1 metres, a little lesser than her personal best (6.6 metres).
Sudha Singh, national 3000m steeplechase champion, won the silver medal in the same event. The 32-year old won the gold medal when the event was first introduced in the Asian Games.
Sudha Singh, national 3000m steeplechase champion, won the silver medal in the same event. The 32-year old won the gold medal when the event was first introduced in the Asian Games.
Hima Das, an Assamese sprinter, grabbed the silver medal in women's 400 metre. The 18-year old broke her own national record by clocking 50.79 seconds.
Hima Das, an Assamese sprinter, grabbed the silver medal in women's 400 metre. The 18-year old broke her own national record by clocking 50.79 seconds.
After Saina Nehwal brought home a bronze medal in the Asian Games, PV Sindhu grabbed the silver medal thereafter. The 23-year old is the first Indian to bring home a silver in women's single badminton event.
After Saina Nehwal brought home a bronze medal in the Asian Games, PV Sindhu grabbed the silver medal thereafter. The 23-year old is the first Indian to bring home a silver in women's single badminto..
Read More
Rahi Sarnobat became the first female Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.
The 27-year-old was up emerged as the winner after two shoot-off rounds.
This is her first major medal since the Commonwealth Games gold in 2014. An elbow injury which she picked up even before Glasgow had set her back for the next two years.
Rahi Sarnobat became the first female Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.The 27-year-old was up emerged as the winner after two shoot-off rounds.This is her first major medal since..
Read More
Freestyle wrestler Divya Kakran brought home the bronze medal in the 68kg category. In just 90 seconds, the 20-year old defeated Taipei's Chen Wenling during the third-place play-off bout.
Freestyle wrestler Divya Kakran brought home the bronze medal in the 68kg category. In just 90 seconds, the 20-year old defeated Taipei's Chen Wenling during the third-place play-off bout.
