Pusarla Sindhu has made the country proud. There can be no two opinions on that. It’s not just about the medal, it’s also about the way she fought her heart out in the final against the world’s best player. Starved as we are of genuine heroines and heroes, Sindhu has emerged as one to cherish. Yet, the competition between the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments to reward her with cash, land and jobs evokes mixed feelings.

While it’s refreshing to see a sportsperson other than a cricketer getting adulation and reward, looking at the celebrations in Hyderabad on Monday and Vijayawada on Tuesday, one cannot help but wonder whether we are not going overboard. While nobody can grudge the riches being showered, the question is: Can our governments and netas not spare a thought for other Olympians who did their best but returned empty-handed?

Many of our athletes have risen up from the struggling sections of society. Is it too much to ask those now celebrating Sindhu’s success to also reward these sportspersons who need financial support and public recognition? If only our netas had displayed the same enthusiasm and energy that they are now showing when our Olympic athletes were in training, encouraging and funding them before the Games, who knows, we might well have returned with a better haul of medals.

The celebrations over the last two days are an excellent example to show how there is no moderation in the public space in our country. We put our idols either on a pedestal and worship them when they bring glory, or stamp them underfoot when they fail. There is simply no middle road and this applies not just to sport but everything in public life today. Is it too much to ask for some balance?

Senior Associate Editor

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