27/07/2010

The negative press that India is receiving regarding the Commonwealth Games is turning into a free-for-all of India-bashing. Mihir Bose repeats tired old stereotypes, with “Indians do not encourage sports”, and they have an “It will do attitude”. You would be forgiven to think that they are a flawed race of humans.

This great nation started with nothing in 1947 after 200 years of colonial rule. Slowly but steadily, India has arrived at a stage where it is considered as one of the most vibrant economies of the world.

It has carried a billion people in a democratic set-up. Just as it has arrived on the world stage on the economic front, it is all set to arrive in the world of sport. Bose is quick to quote his hero Mao on the importance of sports. With all its faults, Indian leaders never killed millions of their fellow citizens as happened in China. It is easy for Bose to sing the praises of China in comparison to India but it is only in India that he could rubbish the country and be heard. He could not do that in China. In spite of all the problems, the Commonwealth Games in Delhi will be a grand success. The athletes who have decided not to go will not be missed.

Nitin Mehta,

Croydon, Surrey

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