– Dr. Nilesh Joshi
Amravati
In politics, ministerial posts are often allocated to strengthen political equations. However, sometimes a minister is demoted due to a mistake and given the responsibility of a less important ministries. Often, the sports ministry is seen as such a ‘punishment’. This means that the sports sector is not very important in the eyes of the ruling party. Due to this, the sports sector is being greatly devalued, which now needs to be discussed seriously.
The decision to make Manikrao Kokate the Sports Minister of Maharashtra has been controversial. According to information from political circles, this decision has been given to Kokate as a kind of ‘punishment’ after a video of him playing rummy on a mobile phone during the legislative session went viral. According to the statement made by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendraji Fadnavis, “there was anger against Kokate due to the incident and hence this change of ministry was made.” Since the sports ministry is considered relatively less important, he was ‘punished’ in a way by being appointed to this position. Using an important ministry in this way for political convenience is very harmful for the future of the sport. This has devalued the sports sector, which is having a negative impact on the players and their future. Due to this mentality, the sports sector remains neglected and its development is stunted.
Sports are not just entertainment, they are the identity of the nation. Players represent the country and raise the country’s prestige before the world. Important qualities like discipline, teamwork and hard work are learned through sports. Sports are given great importance in developed countries. Their governments invest heavily in promoting players, creating infrastructure and promoting sports education. That is why their players consistently perform well at the international level.
When an inefficient or convicted minister is given the sports ministry, it has a direct impact on the players and the sports sector. There is no greater misfortune than the fact that the Minister of the Department whose athletes bring glory to our country in front of the world should be appointed as ‘punishment’. Such a Minister fails to understand the needs of the sports sector. He does not have sufficient knowledge of the issues of the athletes, the training needs and the lack of infrastructure. Due to this, policy decisions are neglected and the progress of the sports sector is halted.
To overcome this problem, political parties need to change their mindset. Such a person should be chosen as the Sports Minister, who is passionate about the sports sector, who understands it and who has a passion for its development. The Sports Ministry should not be seen as ‘punishment’ but as an ‘opportunity’. This is a golden opportunity to make India a great power in the field of sports at the global level by encouraging the future generations of the country and giving them the right guidance. Maharashtra has great potential in the field of sports. Many players from rural areas are waiting for the right opportunity. If they work under the right leadership, these players can bring great success to the state and the country.
If Manikrao Kokate has been made the Sports Minister as a ‘punishment’, then this is not just a political decision, but a decision that ignores the future of the sports sector in Maharashtra. This has devalued the sports sector. Henceforth, it is necessary to take into account the experience, qualifications and passion for that sector while appointing to such important positions. Using the Sports Department solely for political convenience is an insult to the dreams and hard work of the athletes of Maharashtra. This mentality of considering the Sports Ministry as a ‘punishment’ should stop immediately. Politicians should remember that the Sports Ministry is an important department linked to the bright future of the nation. Devaluing the sports sector solely for political convenience is detrimental to the future of the state.
