India is a storehouse of talent, especially in the field of sports. But this talent hasn’t been explored and given its due limelight. It could be so because of a lack of motivation and the support of political leaders and, most significantly, the recognition by the public.
In ancient India, sports were given due importance by both parents and teachers. People back then understood that indulging in sports was essential for a child’s physical and mental well-being. Activities like martial arts, archery, swordsmanship, lifting weights etc., were very respected. During those times, students were asked to engage in friendly spars as well. The evidence of the active sportsmanship in India can also be found in the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
But in the last few decades, parents have stopped giving much importance to physical well-being and are concerned only about their children’s academic excellence. In case they do take any interest, then the child’s fascination must be towards Cricket.
This bias of parents is one of the major reasons which thwarted the growth of this much deserving industry. Furthermore, the ignorance of the sports authorities also played a part in the depletion of the popularity of other forms of sport in India. But in the last 3 to 5 years, this trend has seen a shift.
The Indian sports scene is taking a keen interest in all kinds of sports, resulting in the growth of participation, viewership and sports-related industries. India’s improving economic climate, rising disposable incomes, and changing outlook fuel the increase in demand for sports-related goods and services.
The famous Indian Premier League, estimated at $5.3 billion, along with other leagues, are also contributing their shares, which has helped the Indian sports Industry touch the $2.7 billion mark from $1.3 billion five years ago. Several entrepreneurs have made fantastic models like Sports Village Schools (formerly known as EduSports) that enable schools to adopt sports education and play the role of a helping hand in carving out new faces to be introduced to the world competition.
The changing mindset of the Indian masses has given a new lease of life to the sports industry in the country. Still, we have a long way to go. There should be more social acceptance and opportunities for people who want to participate and make a career in sports. We also need to figure out how to keep the essence of sport alive with the changing times.
There are many changes that Indian sports must implement before they can truly progress. For instance, the country needs to invest in sports infrastructure and create better training facilities. Athletes also need to make some changes in their attitudes, which would eventually help them reach their full potential.
In recent psychological research, it was found that people with a mindset of being a “star athlete” tend to have better chances of being successful. The study was conducted for six years and concluded that developing a mindset of being a “star” athlete is beneficial in achieving success.
So, we need to promote sports as a booming, attractive Business and Sports Industry.
India has always been a sporting powerhouse. It is not surprising to see India winning its all-time highest number of medals in the Olympic Games and commonwealth games in recent times. With improved practice facilities and support, sportspersons have proven their mettle in front of the world.
A wind of change — which started to blow at the turn of the 21st century — swept across most sports disciplines. Players are taking a keen interest in other sports categories, like boxing, wrestling, archery, hockey etc. and excelling at them as well!
At the Commonwealth games 2022, Indian athletes won 61 medals, 22 golds, 16 silvers and 23 bronze. Sanket Sargar was the first Indian to win a medal in Birmingham, bagging a silver in the men’s 55kg weightlifting event. Mirabai Chanu was the first Indian to win gold at CWG 2022, while Jeremy Lalrinnunga was the first Indian man to clinch the top podium at Birmingham. Sudhir won the first medal for India, a gold, in para-sports at the Commonwealth Games. He became the champion in the para powerlifting men’s heavyweight category.
Along with all the medals, these sportspersons brought immense pride to the nation.
