The second model is the school- and university-based system, which has had the greatest impact in the United States. US universities, for example, helped develop much of the American Olympic squad - particularly in athletics and swimming. However Indian universities, already struggling to provide adequate resources for academic endeavours, are unlikely to replicate this model.

The third system, common in Europe and a handful of Asian countries, is based on private sports clubs or corporations, who provide support and resources to help develop internationally competitive athletes. For example, PSV Eindhoven may be best known as a top Dutch football club, but it has also been home to Olympic gold medal-winning swimmers. Similarly, Japanese corporations, such as Toyota, have employed Japanese Olympic gold medallists. This could conceivably work for India, with cash-rich cricket teams subsidising training in other sports, or private corporations providing resources for aspiring athletes.

The latter two systems do not just benefit nationals. Sports is becoming increasingly globalised, and it is no surprise that private clubs in Italy and Australia have helped train Olympic champions from Argentina and South Korea, respectively. US universities have assisted athletes from several other nations, including four of the eight finalists in the men’s 100 metres dash at Beijing, gold medal-winning swimmers from Zimbabwe, Brazil and Tunisia, and a number of international basketball players. India should take advantage of the resources other countries have to offer, and in some sports it already has. Somdev Devvarman, possibly India’s best hope for a top 100 men’s singles tennis player, is a two-time US collegiate champion.

... contd.