Looking forward to Delhi 2010

I normally don’t watch ending ceremony’s of sports events as I get sentimental. However, I happened to be watching the Commonwealth Games ending ceremony on Sunday. Putting aside a possible cynical aspect of their existence (colonial linkage), they do at least bring people together to celebrate diversity.

Some of you may know that India (Delhi) will be hosting the next games in 2010. During one of the many open-air / stadium extravaganza acts, India had an opportunity to shine and present a welcome to 2010. And ‘shine’ they did with over 1000 dancers with an illuminating effect. The act was sensibly timed and tasteful. It was also great to see a Sikh receive an award on the main / master stage.

However, I was astounded by a comment made by one of the BBC presenter/ voiceover/ commentator/ narrators. He negatively claimed that the Indian segment was too long and that they should save it for the start of the 2010. In my view it certainly was not long. Instead it showed imagination and a sneak preview into what is to come. It is the new hosting country’s right to encourage a warm welcome and India did a great job in Melbourne.

I certainly question the Dame Edna dance routine afterwards – the same commentator suggesting that it (the Dame Edna routine) was ‘tongue in cheek’, in my view it was long, irrelevant and rude. At the start of the Dame Edna routine, she/he interrupted a presenting athelete.

This whole episode started me thinking about how such comments made in the context of general media/journalism. Stereotyping and preference unfortunately exist in this domain. In last weeks article I suggested that it was good to see Indian medal winners – What a result! Rather than welcoming and encouraging athletes from nations that are putting in a good effort, they are instead sidelined by a patriotic stance.

The evidence is clear. Next time you watch an international tournament, see if you notice how much ‘over play’ is exhibited by the sports production team for leading players or runners. Take for example, the Womens relay. I couldn’t see the performance of other nations in detail.

Maybe there is a hidden agenda? Some may argue that at least we get to see Monty perform in the England cricket team. My issue is not about who plays for England. I’m concerned about how other countries are viewed (or not as is the case maybe in many championships).

We need to realise that the media bites in selective and subtle ways. So subtle that the ‘knock on’ implication will affect what facilities are available. I remember a few years ago that it was only through the wonderful efforts of a few brave members of the ethnic community in West London who developed a kids soccer camp (in Southall (UK)/surrounding areas) with the leading football coaches from Brasil. After the event, they were approached by premiership clubs. These clubs should have been there and willing to offer such camps from the start.

Sports although competitive should not compromise their importance in bringing humanity together. The task of unity becomes difficult when the media are narrow-minded and living with shutters on their windows.