TG athletes can gain from new sports policy
The comprehensive vision lays stress on strengthening governance, boosting infrastructure, and ushering in a breathtaking sports ecosystem that would result in the emergence of medal-winning athletes. There is no doubt that once he goes about the implementation process and enhances budgetary allocations, there would be smiles on the faces of countless sportspersons, coaches and the support staff. Over a period, Telangana can indeed be the envy of the nation going by the manner it brings about the best of infrastructure and sports avenues, including supporting budding talent coming from the poorer strata. Alas, carried away by the moment, Reddy revealed the politician in him when he spoke rather exaggeratedly that Hyderabad would be fit enough to host some Olympic disciplines by 2036.
This is too ambitious a remark given that preparing grounds and facilities and putting in place infrastructure of an extraordinary kind for the mega event is no child's play. What the city has, as of now, is not sound enough to host even a fraction of the events that feature in Olympics. He should take cue from his political mentor N Chandrababu Naidu, who, in his effort to provide the best of facilities for the 2002 National Games, came up with the finest stadiums and playing surfaces. Budget was no problem. J Jayalalithaa constructed the magnificent JN stadium in nine months.
Can Revanth Reddy emulate these records? The fact is that the stadiums constructed by Naidu like GMC Balayogi athletics stadium, KVBR stadium, tennis complex and the velodrome are all outdated as the wear and tear must have worn them out. They need to be refurbished before the city is good enough to host the National Games two years down the line, towards which Reddy is to approach the Indian Olympic Association.
However, realising the herculean task that lies up ahead, the Chief Minister has played his masterstroke-a Public Private Participation (PPP). This will go a long way in helping him realise the dream of nurturing Olympic gold medallists and world champions across disciplines. Adding to this is the smart move to constitute a 14-member Board of Governors to oversee handling of the Telangana Sports Development Fund (TSDF). Featuring some big names from the world of sports and industry, including Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Bhaichung Bhutia, it will be headed by industrialist Sanjeev Goenka, which ensures transparent and accountable utilisation of resources that will be raised through the PPP mode.
A good beginning has been made as the state was able to sign MoUs with many keen investors and sponsors. This can help promote exchange programmes with other nations and invest in proven international coaches. Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of rewarding days for sportspersons from Telangana.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
8 minutes ago
- India.com
Can A Country Survive Without America? These Nations Already Already Do Without U.S. Ties
New Delhi: The global order has long revolved around the United States. Its economic weight, military power and diplomatic reach have shaped how countries operate. But a handful of nations have taken a different path. They have either walked away from Washington or never entered the room. And despite years of pressure, sanctions and isolation, they continue to function. Among them, Iran stands out. For decades, Tehran has maintained one of the most antagonistic relationships with Washington. The rift deepened after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which led to sweeping sanctions that strangled its economy. But Iran did not collapse. Instead, it shifted its focus inward, developed its oil and gas sector and invested in domestic industries. It strengthened ties with countries like Russia, China and Turkey to keep its economy running. In 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified tariff threats against several countries. India found itself on Washington's radar. He accused New Delhi of buying large quantities of crude oil from Russia and selling it in global markets at a profit. He announced a 25% tariff on Indian trade and lashed out on Truth Social, claiming New Delhi had no concern for the war in Ukraine. India issued a strong rebuttal. Responding to the threat, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made it clear that India would act in its national interest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that India had to turn to Russian oil because European suppliers had redirected their energy exports in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. At that time, Washington had supported India's decision. 'This is not a matter of choice. It was a response to the global market's limitations,' he said and pointed out the irony that countries that continue to criticise India are themselves engaged in trade with Russia, even when they face no strategic compulsion to do so. This debate has brought up a question: can a nation survive without engaging with the United States? Are there countries that have built an economic and political existence independent of American support? There are. Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Venezuela have managed to chart out such paths. Their experiences are far from smooth. Each of them has faced significant hardships. Still, they have not collapsed under pressure. Instead, they have sought out new alliances, developed local industries and found ways to adapt. After decades of sanctions, Iran signed a 25-year strategic agreement with China. The deal covers Chinese investments in Iran and steady oil purchases. Tehran also expanded military and economic ties with Moscow. Its domestic defence and technology sectors have grown despite external isolation. Its missile and drone programmes are homegrown. The country's education and healthcare systems, while strained, continue to function. Cuba has followed its own model. Since the 1960s, it has faced stringent U.S. sanctions. After embracing communism under Fidel Castro, the country was cut off from American trade. But it built a healthcare system that earned global praise. Cuban doctors and vaccines have been exported to countries across Latin America and Africa. Its tourism and biotechnology have brought in revenue. Partnerships with Russia, Venezuela and other regional allies have helped it remain afloat. North Korea offers a different case. There are no direct economic ties between Pyongyang and Washington. The two countries remain adversaries. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has prioritised its nuclear weapons programme and missile development. It has relied heavily on China for energy, food and essential supplies. Russia has also provided limited support. Despite economic difficulties, North Korea has continued to function under its rigid political system. Venezuela, too, has faced American sanctions, especially targetting its oil exports. But Caracas responded by strengthening its ties with Iran, China and Russia. It used its vast oil reserves as leverage, exchanging energy for investment and support. Each of these countries has followed a different model. Some turned to authoritarianism, while others leaned on regional alliances. But all have demonstrated that an economic existence without the United States, while difficult, is not impossible. These examples do not suggest that global engagement with Washington lacks value. The United States remains the world's largest economy and a central force in international diplomacy. But these nations show that with the right strategies, strong internal planning and alternative partnerships, survival outside the American orbit is not only possible, but it is already happening.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
SYL talks: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann floats Chenab plan to resolve water dispute
Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday urged the Centre to duly utilise water of the Chenab to resolve the long-pending water dispute between Punjab and Haryana by shelving the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) issue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After attending a meeting of Punjab and Haryana CMs called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil over the SYL issue, Mann said that during the last meeting held on July 9, the Centre said that the with Pakistan had been suspended. This opens up a major opportunity for India to utilise water from the Chenab river, one of the western rivers earlier given to Pakistan under the treaty. Mann said the Centre should now divert Chenab's water to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra. To carry this extra water, new canals and infrastructure could be built in Punjab, he suggested. Mann said that such canals and infrastructure could be first used to meet the needs of Punjab, after which the water could be supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan through the same canal system. "Using Chenab water will reduce Punjab's dependence on groundwater, revive surface irrigation, and support the farming community. Waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis," he said, adding that new storage dams upstream of existing Bhakra and Pong Dams in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed to significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Batting for the shelving of the SYL canal issue, Mann said that the Sarda-Yamuna link for the transfer of surplus Sarda water to the Yamuna river and the diversion of Chenab water to the Beas river through the Rohtang tunnel should be done to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to him, the long-conceived project of the Sharda-Yamuna Link should be taken up on priority basis, and surplus water should be transferred to the Yamuna river at a suitable location. He said that the additional water made available could offset the balance water requirement of the state of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan. Mann pointed out that the SYL canal was an "emotive issue" over which Punjab could have serious law and order issues, with Haryana and Rajasthan bearing the brunt too. SOME POSITIVE HEADWAY Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said discussions took place in a good atmosphere. "The Supreme Court had said that if this issue can be resolved through talks, meetings should be held. We hope that some steps could be taken forward. There is no fight between the people of Punjab and Haryana. The issue has been politicised. Both chief ministers and the Jal Shakti Minister held the meeting, and some positivity has emerged from the discussion. A path forward can be created, for which a meeting will be held before the 13th... I hope I was successful in presenting Punjab's perspective, and I hope the Centre will consider it," said Mann. TAKES POT SHOTS AT CENTRE Taking pot-shots at the Centre, CM Mann said he hoped that the decision on the Indus Water Treaty would not be reversed. "I hope that US President Donald Trump doesn't post something on X (formerly Twitter) saying, 'I have revived the Indus Water Treaty.' The treaty should stay suspended as it will help Punjab get more water. Punjab has to use it to grow good and give it to the country." He was speaking to media persons after the Centre's meeting on SYL.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Fuelling Ukraine War': White House Attacks India On Russia Oil Purchase After Modi's Defiance
A top U.S. official and Trump aide, Stephen Miller, has sparked controversy by accusing India of indirectly funding Russia's war in Ukraine through continued oil purchases from Moscow. Miller claimed India is now 'tied with China' in sourcing Russian oil and called the trade 'not acceptable.' His comments come as President Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on India and threatens more penalties. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a veiled but firm rebuttal during a speech in Varanasi. Watch Read More
