Q. What are the underlying challenges before the Karate Association of India (KAI) after getting banned by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)?
A. Momentarily, it may be shocking, but amidst the pandemic, no international sports events are taking place in any part of the world. It is not the business of any player to indulge in any legality of a particular game. They should concentrate on their games only. KAI will take care of submitting desired documents as per the IOA guidelines in time, and it’s hoped that everything will be fine again.
Q. What are the roadblocks in Indian sports, if compared to European countries?
A. As far as my experience is concerned, there are so many reasons as to why Indian sports lag behind. First of all, we don’t have sports culture, infrastructure, don’t follow team spirit, and a proper connection with the coach is missing. Moreover, scarce medical facilities add to the pile. Interestingly, we don’t have a proper coach for the national karate team. There is no job opportunity or security for talented players. Moreover, politics in sports is the biggest problem in India. They never bother about the games and players. These are the major hurdles
Q. How can we solve these problems?
A. First of all, India needs to develop a nationwide sports culture. The games should be included in the regular curriculum at the school level. Every parent, teachers, friends, neighbours, institutions, organisations must promote and support sports in society. We should create proper sports training centres and coaches state wise. More job opportunities should be offered to active sportsmen and coaches. Good sponsors should come forward to organise karate championships at zonal, districts, state, and national levels regularly. I’m sure these important measures can improve Indian sports.
Q. Do you have any association with leading karate organisations?
A. Currently, I’m the chairman of the Athlete Commission, Karate Association of India, and holding Black Belt 5th Dan/Degree from Japan, World Karate Federation, and Canada. I have been an officially certified Kata and Kumite Coach from WKF, Asian Karate Federation, and National Sports Federation.
Q. Are you satisfied with your career?
A. Yes, I am very much satisfied, just because of sports, I got everything in life. However, in the beginning, I had to struggle a lot. It was a tough time to manage huge expenses for national and international participation. I am thankful to the Delhi government for honouring me with handsome cash prizes on a few occasions that too during my struggling time. This further boosted my confidence to perform better.
The writer is the Bureau Chief of Himalini. He is the founder of the Creative World Media Academy & has written two books on media education.