NDTV Exclusive: Why Sports Must Shape India's Future

There is an urgent need to recognize the importance of sports in shaping India's collective future, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Sports play a crucial role in the growth and development of both individuals and nations. As a country, we have made significant progress both alphabetically and numerically in recent years. However, our physical development has declined over the same period. This shift highlights the urgent need to recognize the importance of sports in shaping our collective future. Sports instill fundamental life lessons such as resilience in the face of defeat, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, discipline, perseverance, and hard work. These traits are essential for every individual to succeed in life. In a nation that aspires to grow and prosper, sports play a pivotal role in fostering these qualities.

It is imperative that children engage in sports from an early age, not merely as a recreational activity but as a serious pursuit with professional aspirations. The benefits of professional sports far outweigh those of casual play, as they provide structured development and instill qualities that contribute to long-term success.

In my opinion, every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can benefit from playing sports professionally. As a nation, we should actively encourage this approach. Instead of solely focusing on talent identification, we should aim to involve all young children in sports with the mindset of becoming professional athletes. The choice of sport should be guided by cultural factors, personal aptitude, and individual interest.

As children progress, there should be structured checkpoints-though these may vary depending on the sport-where we conduct a realistic potential assessment using sports science. This evaluation should determine whether an athlete has the potential to compete at the world-class level. If it becomes evident that a child does not possess the attributes necessary to reach elite levels, their energy and skills should be redirected towards other fields where they can excel.

The age at which this transition occurs will vary across different sports but generally falls between 13 and 19 years. At every exit point, it is crucial to provide proper guidance and support to ensure that these children successfully transition into new career paths. This structured approach will enable them to leverage the discipline and values acquired through sports in other aspects of their lives.