Written by Setu Partiwala

Sports have evolved rapidly from their origins as a recreational activity to a necessity. India is witnessing many changes in the past decade in the field of sports.

With the alarming and concerning number of diabetic patients coming in each year, India has been nicknamed the world’s ‘diabetic capital’. Sports can be a great way to combat this lifestyle disease. However, not many are encouraged to practise sports as a profession due to the lack of opportunities in the sector.

Additionally, since India is a cricket-centric country, it has taken away from other sports in terms of access and resources. This tendency to concentrate on elite sports has led to other sports being overlooked and neglected. As a result, grass-root athletes are often forced to give up their budding careers to make a living.

Due to the digital revolution, a portion of the population that has started waking up to different sports and considering sports as real professions has seen an increase in participants. While technology has aided in the promotion of other sports, there is still a bias towards elite sports. Other sports such as Kabaddi, snooker, and golf should be promoted in India.

Equality of opportunity in sports is a mindset that needs to be promoted and implemented to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, sport, or any other factor, has an equal chance of succeeding.  As sports become increasingly professionalised and commercialised, sports laws and governing bodies are responsible for ensuring that athletes are treated fairly and that their rights are respected.

To that end, the government of India has launched many initiatives to promote various different sports. The Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) most prominent scheme is the Khelo India Youth Games, which aims to uplift grass-root level athletes and dig up every gem hidden in every nook and cranny of the country. Another such initiative was the introduction of sports schools, which provide a safe and secure environment where athletes can hone their skills, receive training, and learn how to effectively utilise the resources available to them. All in all, these will be the future leaders of tomorrow.

Further, with India hosting the 2036 Olympics, the future of sports looks brighter than ever. In the next couple of years, India will see a sharp increase in the number of opportunities in all areas of sports.

This will certainly create a demand for a workforce and leaders studying sports. Athletes aren’t the only citizens contributing to sports. Coaches, managers, doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists, and more will be needed to make the most of India’s upcoming Olympic games. As these future leaders take on the challenge of managing this major international event, they will be in a unique position to make a lasting impact on sports both domestically and internationally.

This is a massive opportunity for everyone interested in the sports sector. Not only will these professionals have the opportunity to shape the industry and contribute to its success, but they will also be able to gain invaluable experience by working with a variety of teams and athletes from around the world.