Harsha's Thesis: Ch. III - Review Literature

CHAPTER 3

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The newspapers both generally have covered the story on the Commonwealth

Games on different perspective. The examinations of the “Selected Newspapers” from

1st of January 2010 to 31st December 2010 are pointing out the fact that the “Selected

Newspapers” have constantly shifted their priorities and concerns towards

Commonwealth Games 2010.

Meanwhile while the negative publicity generated by the ongoing criticism by

the opposition and “Selected Media” turned out to be a positive publicity stunt for the

games organizers as it successfully created news worthy matter that generated a

curiosity for the tabloids and newspapers around the world.

While the tone of nationalism made Indian readers who regarded the

successful hosting of Commonwealth Games as matter of national pride in the

international arena. The international readers started following the news of

Commonwealth Games 2010 with a sense of interest, panic over its successful

completion by the deadline in the midst of all these debacles happening around the

games.

3.2 NATIONALISM AND SPORTS

In the book Sports and Physical education authored by Timothy Chandler,

Mike Cronin and Wray Vamplew. Marcel Danis the former Minister of Youth, Fitness

and Amateur Sports, Canada says:

Nation building is another important benefit. Major games provide an

excellent venue for capturing the imagination and enthusiasm of the

public. They are an opportunity to foster national pride, cultivate

international understanding, and promote an awareness of national

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accomplishments and capabilities. Major Games can unite country by

centering attention on a popular activity. In countries like Canada, they

allow us to bring a widely dispersed and diverse population into focus

on a single event. This attention also provides the opportunity for a

whole range of festive activities to be arranged around the games

themselves. (Chandler, 2008:2)

In the book “The Geography of Sports and Leisure” authored by Sue Warn

and Michael Witherick of The Cole report in 1985 summarised the public good of

sporting excellence as follows:

Sporting success for Britain makes people proud to be British. Sporting

failures or declines has the reverse effect. If our teams and individuals

are successful, they help the county’s image abroad. Sporting

achievement in the Olympics and other top competition is also vital

contribution to the government’s and the sports council’s strategies to

boost participation in sport and recreation. Sporting achievement has a

short-term economic effects- it can sell flags, shirts and various forms

of memorabilia. (Warn, 2007:1)

3.3 GOVERNMENT, SPORTS AND THE MEDIA

In the book “Sports and Physical education” authored by Timothy Chandler,

Mike Cronin and Wray Vamplew, the former Minister of Youth, Fitness and Amateur

Sports, Canada, Marcel Danis speaks on the interest of the Canadian government in

hosting international games:

To those unfamiliar with sport, a logical question might be does

Canada want to continue this legacy of hosting major games? There

are certainly major financial commitments involved, both from the

public and private sectors. But one should also realise that the benefits

of hosting major games- the payback on investments, if you will- is

very considerable. When I refer to payback I do not mean in an

economic sense, although there are certainly financial rewards to be

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reaped from a well organized event. I mean payback in terms of

enhancing a country’s sports system, nurturing national pride and

cultural awareness, international prestige and infrastructure

development. (Chandler, 2008:2)

Jonathan Kennet in his book Ride speaks on the proactive role of the media in

covering the games:

New Zealand cycling record contains no results for women until the

1981 national championship. Three years later women cyclists were

accepted into the Olympics. About the same time, the New Zealand

Commonwealth Games organizing committee successfully proposed

that women’s cycling events be introduced to the 1990 Commonwealth

Games, Media coverage of the women’s racing in the games helped the

sport grow through the 1980’s and 90’s. (Kennet, 2003: 1)

3.4 SUMMARY

This Chapter gives us an insight to the news coverage of the sporting events

by the media. This chapter also highlights the role of government in promoting these

games to invoke common interest among people.

Objectives and Research methodology