Answer: 

Introduction:

Both state-sponsored talent hunt and cultivation, as well as the reward mechanism, play crucial roles in nurturing athletic talent and promoting sporting excellence at international levels such as the Olympics. They serve different yet complementary purposes in the holistic development of athletes.

Body:

State-Sponsored Talent Hunts and Cultivation Programs:

State-sponsored talent hunts and cultivation programs aim to identify and nurture talent from an early age. They are pivotal in providing opportunities to athletes, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, who may lack the resources to develop their skills.

For instance, the ‘Khelo India’ initiative by the Indian government is an excellent example of such a program. It aims to identify potential sports talent across the country, especially in rural and remote areas, and provide them with long-term training while also taking care of their education. This program has boosted the overall grassroots level sports culture in the country and has helped identify and groom numerous talented athletes.

Merit:

• Early Identification and Nurturing: These programs help in spotting talent early and provide the necessary training to develop their potential fully.
• Inclusivity: They ensure that economic or social background does not become a barrier to sporting talent, promoting inclusivity in sports.
• Infrastructure Development: These programs often involve the development of sporting infrastructure, which benefits not just the identified talents but also the larger community.

Reward Mechanism as Encouragement:

Reward mechanisms, including cash incentives, recognition, and other benefits, serve as an acknowledgment of athletes’ hard work, dedication, and performance. They act as a motivation for athletes to strive for better performance.

For example, many countries, including the USA, Russia, and China, have a system of monetary rewards for their athletes who win at international competitions like the Olympics. In India too, state governments offer cash rewards, job opportunities, and other incentives to Olympic medalists.

Merit:

• Motivation: Monetary and other rewards serve as a strong motivation for athletes to strive for excellence.
• Financial Support: These rewards can provide substantial financial support, which can be used for better training, equipment, and other resources.
• Recognition: They bring recognition to the athletes, boosting their morale and encouraging them to perform better.

Conclusion:

However, both approaches need to be balanced. Overemphasis on rewards may lead to excessive pressure and an unhealthy competitive spirit, while solely focusing on talent hunts and training may not provide enough motivation for performance. Thus, a combination of state-sponsored talent hunt and cultivation, along with a well-structured reward mechanism, can create a robust ecosystem for sports development.

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