Title: Need to promote indigenous sports in the country.
SHRI N.S.V. CHITTHAN (DINDIGUL): The country was shocked when our cricket team was knocked out by Bangladesh in the recent World Cup Tournament. It is distressing to note that cricket matches are swallowing lakhs and lakhs of working hours and man days of the general public.
Moreover, tonnes of money flows into the game by way of advertisement, sponsorship, betting and gambling. Unfortunately large sections of our people associate cricket matches with patriotism. There is a strong opinion, merit and professionalism are not given expected importance in India.
The most unfortunate part is that cricket is given more importance at the cost of other games and sports. Games like Football, Hockey, Basket Ball. Volley Ball and various sports which require skill of every participant are given a raw deal.
India has got large pool of efficient sturdy youths who are not given
much focus to their skill.
The Government should take steps to tap these talents and ensure all the games and sports are given equal importance.
It is high time that severe restrictions must be imposed on cricket matches abroad. Younger stalwarts must be given proper encouragement.
If a small island like Sri Lanka can do, India, a big nation can definitely do better.
* Treated as laid on the Table.