Sports that rekindles aspirations and dedication ironically has a strange bedfellow in politics. Mechanisations of taking over the realm of power (and staying there as well) in the sports bodies in India have been more captivating than the sport itself. The tug of war for 'ruling' the cash rich BCCI had a mark of a thriller. Flush with fund after signing multi-million dollar TV rights, the accusing fingers have pointed towards the alleged swindling and misappropriation to the tune of Rs.200 million to former BCCI President, Jagmohan Dalmiya. Even after such accusations and the whole world against him, the gentleman was able to stage a coup of sorts by winning the Cricket Association of Bengal elections. As for the normals, serious unsporting activities have been reported in team selection and management in the national team. Indian Hockey Federation has earned accolades (or brickbats) for its hire and fire policies of its coaches. While the coaches change frequently, the chief stays on. As for the sport, before the majestic positioning at the lowly sixth at the Commonwealth Games in April 2006, India lost all five tournaments that preceded it.
In other sports bodies, things have not been much different. Of all the lacunas that plague the Indian sport, this aspect needs urgent redressal, failing which, the nadir of sports would have a permanent occupant in India.