Dear Mr.Khan,
The Oxford dictionary defines a goodwill ambassador as “A
person serving (usually unofficially) to promote goodwill between countries, institutions,
etc.; now chiefly a well-known person (especially a celebrity) appointed by a
charity or other organization to publicize its activities or promote a
specified cause."
The Indian Olympic Association recently appointed you as the
goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympic Games this
summer.
You were chosen above equally (or higher) renowned actors
like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
Moreover, you were chosen above the REAL heroes- Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Sachin Tendulkar, and many more..
Congratulations!
In your interview you expressed “ek hota hai na aadmi peeche se
dhakka marne wala, support karne wala, woh respect ki ek baat hoti hai, ke yaar
he is supporting us, we need to give our best”
I guess you meant that the athletes respect you, and if you
support them, chances of them being motivated to win a medal at Rio will go
high.
I am sorry, Mr.Khan. But here is the truth:
Athletes train day and night their entire lives for this one
moment to represent our motherland at this one event that comes once in 4 years,
with the aim to win a medal and see the tricolor go high. It takes years and
years of hard work and perseverance to produce an Olympic athlete. Sacrifices
are made every single day. Strict & disciplined regime, financial
inadequacy, lack of infrastructure, uncertainty of a win, and a short lived
athletic career: these athletes have made tons of sacrifices in their journey
to the Olympic Games. They are motivated enough Mr.Khan. They have their skills
that they have been nurturing all this while to support themselves. They have their
coach’s support. They have their family's support.They have the IOA and their federation’s support. What they
truly need, and what this country needs, is- the COLLECTIVE SUPPORT of the 1.2
billion people that we all are.
Something you get when a big blockbuster is released on
screen.
The athletes want to be recognized on the streets like you
are, Mr.Khan. They want the media to publish their stories and achievements more often than it is done now.
The jersey you are wearing, Mr.Khan, kindly respect it. For
many Olympians, including myself, it is hard EARNED. It’s our reward for the long hours
spent on the court trying to get better in our respective sports. CRICKET,
Mr.Khan, is NOT an Olympic Sport.
“Heroine hai Sania Mirza (sarcasm), Vijender hai, Sushil
Kumar hai, CRICKET MEIN TOH HAI HI” those were your words.
And, Vijender Singh turned pro last year, Mr.Khan, whether he can compete at the Olympic
Games this summer or not, will be clear this June.
Your 100 days to Rio message: “Kuch na Kuch leke aao yaar” (Please
bring something atleast friends)
I fail to understand, what does this even mean?
I fail to understand, what does this even mean?
Would have been great if you had said “My friends (yaar), do
your best, results will follow, the entire nation is with you, including
myself. Jai Hind.”
 |
| Pic Courtesy: Google Images |
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to
building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced
without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires
mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.
THIS IS WHAT the people of INDIA need to learn.
Yours Lovingly,
A former Olympian & a proud Indian.
A former Olympian & a proud Indian.
