Today, my early morning went berserk when I read the TOI front page which had a news article which said something absolutely horrendous...
On detailed inspection I realized that it was the Indian Sports ministry's reply to JPSK Sports appeal for conducting a F1 race in India.
What was more humiliating and disgusting is that the ministry blatantly denied any permission to the JPSK group. The reason... " The basic premise is that F1 is not needed in India and the money can be spent on development of disciplines which have a wider base in the country".
“F1 is not purely sports. It is entertainment and this venture by JKSP is a commercial initiative.”
What the f*** do they mean by "F1 is not purely sports" ? Do they even know what F1 actually is ? Have they even tried watching a F1 race, leave alone understanding it.. ?
And what does "...purely sports" mean?? Are they partially agreeing that it is a sport?? If they are actually partially agreeing.. then what is the point in denying the permission ??
What are they actually worried about ??
1. That other sports will loose the audience??
2. That they won't get the share of the moolah if JKPS runs the entire show??
3. Or is it that their lack of knowledge redg the SPORT will be thrown out in the public.. ??
If it is any of these questions.. I don't see it as a major problem.. These so called Sports Ministry people are "well qualified" to handle such small issues..
If they are worried about the loss of audience then I am sure that after cricket the sport that has a major considerable chunk of audience is F1... !! If they say football.. then they need to ask themselves which is the latest INDIAN football match they have seen..??
If they say hockey.. then just try to list down all the players in the Indian hockey team..
"The money (spent on F1) can be spent on development of disciplines which have a wider base in the country".
Wow what a statement..what choice of words !!! great work guys...!!
But could you please clear what does "wider base" mean ?? If it means popularity.. then conduct a survey and you will get the answers from the horse's mouth..
If it means ability/capability of our athletes.. then its actually your fault that you have not done anything to help aspirant drivers to join F1..
I mean what is the problem with these people?? Don't they want to the country to progress/be recognized as a major sporting country??
Just imagine the kind of boost that F1 will give to the motor sport industry in India..
If they can talk about the competitive level of the game.. then why can't they spend a little time in understanding what the game is all about ??
F1 athletes are the fittest athletes in the world.. Do any other athletes playing any other sport face forces up to 5G ?? (If they don't know what it means by 5G.. then why in the world are these people SPORT ministers??) .. Do these people know what kind of endurance the F1 drivers need to go through??
I am sure that if these people would have known all that I have talked about over here... then quite honestly they would not have dared to make such statements with these imbecile words.. !!
Sports Ministry people please wake up.. Realize the potential of F1.. understand the game.. and yes... IT IS WORTH THE MONEY AND THE EFFORTS THAT YOU THINK IS A WASTE...
Do anything.. conduct a survey.. hold high level discussions... take a poll.. make a visit to a F1 race... watch it on TV... visit various F1 communities... call F1 experts to give seminars...
But please by the love of GOD please.......please... don't deny this SPORT to the Indian audience...!!!
Think... please rethink...
dtd:- 26/08/09
