Until 1970s, Indian armed forces allowed units to spare military training for some men to help them focus only on sports. Then came the outcry to ban sports competitions.
Today's sportspersons are rarely in the game because of choice. Winning medals will remain a matter of luck if India doesn't create a sporting culture beyond cricket.
In 2022, athletes claimed they were asked to wind up training early at Thyagraj Stadium so that the IAS couple could walk their dog. Then came the memes and public outrage.
Instead of buying more Mirages outright in early 2000s, the requirement was tweaked in favour of a medium-weight, multi-role fighter with Mirage-like performance.
Pakistan not only has zero chance of catching up with India in most areas, but will inevitably see the gap rising. Its leaders will offer its people the same snake oil in different bottles.
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