From an unknown entity a few months ago, Wushu is gaining popularity after Sandhyarani and Bimoljit earned India the two medals in this martial games sport in the Asian Games. But a lot needs to be done to uplift the sport in this cricket frenzy country, writes Akshi Aggarwal.
Very few knew about this sport until Sandhyarani Devi Wankhem and Bimoljit Singh finished on the podium in the 16th Asian Games, Guanghzou last year. The game was considered esoteric and too complex to understand until these two CRPF employees earned India the two medals in this martial games sport, earning Wushu some spotlight.
Introduced in India in 1989, Wushu known for its speed, technique and reflexes, has come a long way, though those associated with the game say that a lot needs to be done to bring it into forefront. They are disheartened by the fact that even after putting so much of effort and winning laurels for the country, the government has failed in providing them even the basic facilities like an actual Wushu arena and an expert Wushu coach to them.
“I am overwhelmed by the response and appreciation that I have received after the Asian Games but that appreciation has never materialised into facilities and my requirements. China has the best of coaches and facilities. To be trained under that environment would benefit us a lot. A Chinese coach or training sessions in China must be provided to us, which can work wonders,” says Sandhyarani, adding that even countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have expert foreign coaches.
“Here we have to practice on judo mats whereas Wushu mats are different. In India there are no real Wushu arenas. Though after the Asian Games medal win things have started to change as I have got a sponsor and I hope things will change for the better in the coming times.” Sandhyarani adds.
Corroborates Bimoljit. “After I won my first Asian Games medal in Doha, I asked for a Chinese coach but till now my requests have gone unheard,” said the Bronze medal winner, adding that India has a lot of talent and even with such less facilities Indian players have regularly succeeded at the international arena.
“We know that with good facilities at our disposal, we can do far better. Now that we have proven our credentials at the international events, the government should show some interest in our sport as well. I am sure players like us will shine in International tournaments,” adds the Manipuri.
Sajan Lama, another Wushu Junior champion, who has the best ever timing ever of 9.45 minutes in the Wushu World Championships to his credit suggests, “Either send the Indian coaches to China to learn the improvised techniques or invite Chinese coaches to our country so that the players get the hold of the updated tactics which would further help us compete with the best in business.”
However Rajvir Singh, their coach and former India Wushu team captain, believes that calling a Chinese coach would not serve the purpose. “The players can only gain if they are sent to China for further training as they are the best and have the best of facilities,” says Rajvir, adding that a proposal is in talks wherein under a university exchange programme a delegation of 20 people including players and coaches will be send to Beijing University in the month of April-May this year.
But despite the apathy, the game has pulled out a great interest among youngsters and its gaining popularity was well gauged at the Delhi State Championship recently where the event received 518 entries from 20 Wushu clubs of Delhi for the 60 events under sub-junior, junior and senior weight categories. The game has got a real push after Sadhyarani and Bimoljit’s success stories at the Asian Games and now it is upto the government and the authorities concerned to cash onto its growing popularity and propel the game to the next level.
