India’s recent bid to host the Olympics has been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. On the one hand, it’s thrilling to imagine the country becoming the center of global sports, showcasing its rich culture and passion for various games. On the other hand, there’s a lingering question: Is India really ready to host such a massive event when it has a history of only fully supporting athletes after they’ve won medals?

For years, Indian athletes have struggled with limited resources, lack of infrastructure, and minimal financial backing. We’ve all seen the pattern—an athlete brings home an Olympic medal, and suddenly they’re celebrated, showered with rewards, and recognized as national heroes. But where’s the support when they’re grinding away in obscurity, training with outdated equipment and relying on personal funds? It’s no secret that India often steps in to help athletes only after they’ve already made it big on their own.

This “backward” approach of funding and support raises concerns about how India plans to manage the massive task of hosting the Olympics. Look at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, which were marred by controversy. While the event was a proud moment for India, it was also plagued with corruption scandals, delays, and poor management. If India wants to host the Olympics, it needs to learn from its past and make sure it doesn’t repeat those mistakes.

Another interesting angle to all this is the timing. The bid comes at a moment when cricket, a sport synonymous with India, is being seriously considered for inclusion in future Olympics. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been maneuvering to shape the way cricket could be presented at the games, favoring New York as a venue over Los Angeles. It’s hard to ignore the possibility that India’s bid is closely tied to this potential development. After all, if cricket does become an Olympic sport, India would naturally want to be in a position to host and dominate in the game they love most.

While the idea of hosting the Olympics is great, it’s essential that India does some soul-searching about its current sports culture. If the country is serious about this bid, the focus shouldn’t just be on grand announcements and impressive presentations; it needs to be about real, long-term investments in its athletes and sports infrastructure. Otherwise, we risk seeing the same old story—grand ambitions but disappointing execution. The world will be watching, and India has to prove it’s ready to take the leap, not just for a spectacle but for real sports development.

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