Kapil Dev’s dose for sporting success

Former India captain Kapil Dev believes Indian sports and sportspersons have come of age in the last decade and feels that they need to be provided “proper care” if the nation aspires to make it big on the world stage.

Dev compared the Indian sports scenario to a newborn.
“Right now, sport scene in India is akin to a newborn. Newborns are always nice. But they need to be given proper direction and care,” Dev told DNA on Wednesday.

Dev is one of the speakers at the first ever India International Sports Summit to be held on March 24 and 25 in the city. Stressing on the importance of providing adequate infrastructure from school level, Dev said it is imperative that a child spends quality time learning a sport.

“Indian sportspersons have come of age. But we need to provide proper infrastructure. Ultimately that’s in the hands of the associations.

“Unfortunately most of our associations are embroiled in power struggle. Businessmen and politicians should look beyond gaining power. Right now it is hampering the growth of the sport,” Dev pointed out, sighting the example of the hockey administration.

He also appealed to stop comparing cricket to other sports, saying it is unfair.

“Can we compare small scale industries to multi-nationals? It isn’t realistic for us to compare cricket and other sports at this moment. The media should realise that comparison isn’t fair for other sportsmen,” he said.