Olympics are the modern International multi-sporting events in which thousands of athletes participate from around the world in various competitions. Olympics are held in every four years and are considered as the world’s foremost sports competition. As Olympics are considered to be very significant sports event and it is every athlete’s dreams to participate, every year several changes are introduced to the Olympic games or adjustments are made to let more people participate and display their talent in the Games. Winter Olympics, Paralympic Games, Youth Olympics Games, the Deaflympics and Special Olympics Games are also introduced so that athletes with a disability, teenage athletes, and other special athletes respectively can also take part in the Olympics.
Winter Olympics Games have started from February 9 in PyeongChang, South Korea, and will continue till February 25. The sports will include alpine skiing, luge, short track speed skating, freestyle skiing, skeleton, snowboarding, curling, and bobsleigh etc. All these sports are practiced on ice and snow.
This year in 2018 India will be represented by two male athletes named Jagdish Singh, and Shiva Keshavan. They will participate in Cross Country Skying and Luge respectively.
India has been participating in Winter Olympics from the year 1964. The nation participated in a single sport in the year 1964, 1968, 1988, 1992, 1998 and 2002. Later in the year 2006, 2010 and 2014 Indians participated in 3 sports events.
India has been unable to win a medal in the Winter Olympics till now but this year we are hoping for the best to happen.
Why is India not able to get medals in Winter Olympics?
1) Financial Incentives- Winter Sports need cold climatic conditions as all games are played on ice or snow. Special equipment and places are chosen to practice these games. Playing in colder climates would provide more exposure to Indian players as most of India has a hot climate and as such comprises very few places to practice the Winter Sports. No financial help is provided to promote Winter Sports, if it is given then it is inadequate in amount so players are unable to develop.
2. Training facilities- There is a lack of training facilities, those who are practicing do not have good coaches as well as equipment. It becomes a tough cookie to practice all by oneself without any funds and a teacher to guide.
3. Government Commitment- Government commits to provide high-facilities and training as well but enough funds are not provided to the athletes. The Indian Olympic Association fails to provide support to a large number of players due to the shortage of money so less number of players are able to participate and grab medals for India.
4. Talent Selection- India is full of talented people but the real talent remains hidden as no money is there to promote Winter Sports and taken initiatives towards the enhancement of players and the sharpening and polishing of their skills so that they may perform better in upcoming events.
5) Sports as a career- Cricket is the most popular sport in India. The whole focus of Indian audience and the Indian government is on cricket. If other Winter sports in India gets a chance to flourish as Cricket India would be able to win several medals.
India has tremendous talent but fewer opportunities. If players are provided necessary resources and infrastructure like in other countries our players will surely excel
