Universality Place

Ever heard of these 2 words? I did not until today. 

I was watching the Olympic opening ceremony. When Pakistani Delegation was shown on the TV, a commentator observed: There are 240 million people and 18 members representing that country. 7 are athletes and 11 officials. Even among the 7 athletes, 3 are representing Universality Place. *

Then I researched what Universality Place means. I quote from a writing: Universality Places are a lifeline to athletes from underrepresented National Olympic Committees. They are designed to increase the diversity of participating nations across the sports program of the Olympic Games. 

These are kind of “quotas” for smaller delegations who do not qualify for the Olympics on merit. Of the 200 countries in the world, there 93 countries qualify to participate in certain events under Universality Place. The Olympic committee knows these athletes will not win but still they want to increase the diversity. 

Sounds like education or job quota in certain countries. USA has an equivalent called DEI. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Diversity in politics too. There is a controversy that one of the U.S. Presidential candidates this year is selected on the basis of DEI only. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have come under attack in American boardrooms, state legislatures and college campuses across the country.

Is Universality Place a good idea or not?  What do you think?

* Universality Place is awarded only for Track and Field events and not for Team Events like hockey or basketball.