Are we truly giving sports the importance it deserves in India? While not everyone plays sports, the passion for watching them is universal. Many people dream of becoming athletes, but the reality is that not everyone gets the opportunity to pursue their dreams. In India, where does our country stand regarding sports infrastructure and opportunities?

 

Challenge of choice and budget for sports

 

From childhood, children often decide which sport they want to pursue. However, in some parts of our society, especially where old-fashioned beliefs are strong, girls are often not encouraged to follow their dreams in sports. Even so, there are many inspiring stories of young women who are doing very well in sports. They are breaking through these barriers and showing that they can compete just as well as boys.

It is certain that each one of us knows that playing games is not only winning a game but is very crucial as far as the physical and mental well-being is concerned. Playing sports teaches one teamwork, discipline, determination, etc.

The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated a huge share of the Ministry of Sports budget towards Khelo India. Actually, in Union Budget 2024-2025, Khelo India has been allocated Rs 900 crores out of an estimated expenditure of Rs 3,442.32 crores. This initiative aims to promote sports at the grassroots level, and the budget for it is increasing year by year to identify and nurture sports talent from across the country.

 

Influence of Khelo India

 

Khelo India has played a major role in changing people's beliefs about sports. This program helps young sportsmen during school and promotes a sporting career among them. It gives them scholarships of 5 lacs each year for up to 8 years, which is very vital for the young players to develop.

For example, 16-year-old Nisar Ahmed is from a Delhi slum. He regretted that he came only 0.2 seconds from breaking the world record. Later on, he was invited to train under Usain Bolt's coach in Jamaica. These are stories that present the potential hidden inside our young generations and how important it is to harness that potential in the right way. India will host the first ever Kho-Kho World Cup in 2025.

 

India is no more cricket-centric

 

India has witnessed a major shift in its approach to sports in recent years. We are no longer just a cricket-centric nation; we are becoming a multifaceted sporting powerhouse. Thanks to increased government support and a changing cultural mindset, sports other than cricket are gaining recognition.

Other sports have seen the rise of new sports stars, including badminton, wrestling, and athletics. The story of Neeraj Chopra and the Indian men’s javelin throw team that created history at the Tokyo Olympics and went on to become one of the most famous sportsmen of the country is that sports like javelin throw can be associated with glory. He generate interest in many youngsters across India to dream big in sports. Likewise, players like P. V. Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Sania Mirza are also proving that it’s not just cricket where one can excel. They motivate the younger ones to do what they have done or, even better, more. But there is a question about viewership: Do people watch other sports compared to cricket?

 

Who gives more viewership to cricket compared to other sports?

 

In India, cricket is the most popular sport, and it gets a lot more attention than other sports. Many of us love watching IPL and the World Cup because they bring us entertainment and excitement. This is why cricketers are paid so much money and they attract many fans. Ads and brands also make a lot of money because around 80% of people watch cricket on TV, online, and on social media.

While the government is trying to support all sports, the truth is that we, as fans, are still more influenced by cricket and cricketers. For example, hockey is our national game, butnot everyone aware of hockey matches and players. Hardly anyone knows the names of popular football players. This lack of interest in other sports is why they struggle to get attention. Brands mainly focus on cricketers for advertisements and even choose them as brand ambassadors, leaving other athletes in the shadows.This is the reason why other sports are not in fame as cricket.

 

Are all athletes in India given equal opportunities?

 

The reality is that many still face challenges, and nepotism often plays a role in who gets ahead. The changing mindset of the Indian public has revived interest in sports, but there is still a long way to go.

While people's views on sports in India are improving, there's still a lot of work to be done. We need more acceptance in society and better chances for athletes who want to succeed. It's important to improve sports facilities and provide better training centers. Athletes also need to stay positive to reach their best. We need more playgrounds and fields for kids to develop their sports skills, along with good equipment.

 

Is sports like cricket following Bollywood? “Nepotism”

 

This is a big issue, especially in cricket, where the children of former players often get better chances to succeed. The RM Lodha Committee, set up by the Supreme Court in 2016, pointed out that many state cricket associations are controlled by a few families, keeping power within those families. The committee's report mentioned that there is an age limit of 70 years for administrators, and after serving for six years, they have to take a three-year break. However, this system allows them to hand over control to their sons.

Even though these positions are supposed to be filled through elections, the people in charge have a lot of influence over the cricket board, making the elections feel more like formalities than real choices.

For example, some key members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) come from influential families. Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, is the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI President, has family ties as well; his brother Snehasish is the Honorary Secretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal, and his uncle Debasish is the treasurer. Arun Dhumal, the BCCI Treasurer, is the brother of Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

Similarly, Mahanaaryaman Scindia, Vice President of the Gwalior Division Cricket Association, is the son of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, a former president of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association. Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, is the son of former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah. Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association, is the son of the late Arun Jaitley, who was also a former DDCA president and an IPL Governing Council member.

These examples show how nepotism in cricket continues to be a problem, making it hard for others to enter the sport and find opportunities.

 

Achivements and loss in Paralympics

 

India has also made impressive progress in the Paralympic Games, showcasing the talent and determination of our athletes. For example, India won a record seven gold medals at the 2024 Paralympics, surpassing its previous achievements. However, we must also acknowledge that challenges remain. Athletes like Vinesh Phogat faced difficulties during competitions that can affect their morale and motivation; she also announced retirement. Motivation and unity are essential for athletes to overcome such setbacks and continue pursuing their dreams.

 

India to focus on improvement

 

India needs to work on making the sports environment better. There are many talented athletes who are waiting for opportunities to show their skills, so we need to create more chances for them. This involves better sports facilities, improving training centres, and encouraging athletes to have a positive attitude. These are important steps to help build a strong sports culture in the country.

While we have made great progress in sports in India, there is still a long way to go. With the right help, encouragement, and facilities, we can make sure that every aspiring athlete gets a chance to succeed, no matter where they come from. We should work together to promote sports as an important part of our society, creating a culture that values both physical and mental health for everyone. As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that every player, whether in the limelight or not, contributes to the rich fabric of Indian sports.