The Playfield - January 18, 2021, Issue II

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As the world continues to struggle in the grip of a virulent contagion, sportspeople are privileged to get paid to play. The world
economy shall continue to reverberate to the upheaval of this
pandemic for many years to come but the commerce that drives
big-ticket sport has already ensured ‘bubbles’ of bio-sanctity so
that the games can go on. In these bleak times, sport offers the
pleasant distraction of the normal. If one can ignore the empty stands,
Rafael Nadal still engrosses enough en route another record French Open
win while India’s comeback in the Test series against Australia ignites just
the kind of hope that a nation of a billion needs to look beyond the narrow
now. Countries like Australia have graduated to a staggered spectator-seating and many vaccines now populate our imagination. Sport has showcased
the best of human ingenuity and doggedness during the year of washing
hands. 2020 saw Formula 1 pioneer safe global gatherings as early as July,
managing 17 races by December. The conduct of the IPL with its stringent
testing norms was an even more resounding shout for mankind’s ability to
surmount unknown odds. While the BCCI showcased the best of Indian
resourcefulness, our apathetic bureaucratic sporting structure struggled to
adapt to the needs of our Tokyo hopefuls. Positive tests at multiple national camps have hit our Olympic preparations hard and the fantastical medal
projections touted by official quarters are likely to stay just fantasies.
The Australian Open is another major step forward for the globe to coast
beyond the pandemic. Victoria province may have been that nation’s COVID
hotbed but the government has worked very hard with Tennis Australia to
take hosting a Grand Slam to an altogether different level. Chartered flights
will ferry players from around the world for a 14-day quarantine before the
tournament begins February 8.

The Playfield Magazine Description:

Dear Subscriber
Wounds heal, but not scars. The impact of Covid-19 has, in its wake, left long-lasting grief. Job loss is one of them. When the bread earner of the house suddenly loses his job, the pain he and his family go through is ominous. His lack of employment means unforeseen calamity in these tough times. In such situations, even the fittest fails to survive.

Today, several sports journalists are sailing in the same boat. They need to reinvent themselves to find employment. It will take time for them to recover. They need instant support and The Playfield aims to provide that.

The E-magazine, a concept of like-minded sports journalists, is just a means to meet the ends – to help the worst-hit in some way. We believe even help, in whatever shape and size, can make a difference to the beleaguered. The overwhelming response from several quarters to our call has been encouraging.

The Playfield is a subscription-reliant venture. Revenue generation through advertisements is a future possibility. But, primarily, we are seeking the readers’ generous support because your cooperation – subscription alone – can bring about a change. Thoughtfully, we are also keeping the subscription at an affordable price, not pinching the subscribers’ pocket!

In a venture of this nature, the first question that comes to one’s mind is of the intention and integrity of the people involved in it. Mindful of the issue, we have an Advisory Committee, comprising journalists and sports icons Harbhajan Singh and Zafar Iqbal – to make decisions without a slant. They will pick the deserving beneficiary. As a policy, the committee has taken a conscious decision that all guest editors and writers will work Pro bono. The revenue earned will be transparent and open to scrutiny.

The e-magazine will have 20 pages, essentially covering all disciplines of topical interests, including interviews and columns. The committee has entrusted the editorial rein to R. Kaushik, an eminent cricket writer and biographer of VVS Laxman. With his knowledge and wisdom, we can assure you, the launch edition is in most capable hands. In Sukhwant Basra, we have a writer of immense stature. R. Ramachandran, Manoj Chaturvedi, Nikhil Naz and Vijay Lokapally bring awesome experience to the job. Purnemaa Narayanan and GS Vivek provide moral support with their administrative capabilities.

Over to respected subscribers. You can make the venture a box-office hit.