India’s on track to build a strong sporting culture

In recent years, India has been making significant strides towards cultivating a strong and sustainable sporting culture. From infrastructure development to grassroots programs, policy reforms, and international successes, the nation's sporting landscape is undergoing a historic transformation.

One of the key indicators of this growth is India’s performance on the global stage. Achievements in sports like badminton, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics, and especially cricket have put India on the world map. Stars like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, and the men’s and women’s cricket teams have not only brought home medals and trophies but have also inspired a new generation of athletes. Events like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games proved that India can compete with the best and win.

Behind these successes lies a combination of vision, investment, and policy. The Government of India has launched several initiatives to boost the sports ecosystem, such as the Khelo India Programme, which aims to encourage grassroots participation and identify talent at a young age. Athletes receive funding, facilities, coaching, and exposure to help them grow. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is another strategic move aimed at grooming elite athletes for the Olympics and other major competitions.

Simultaneously, private organizations, sports academies, and corporate sponsorships are playing a major role. The emergence of professional leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League (ISL), and Premier Badminton League has helped bring lesser-known sports into the mainstream, generating massive viewership and creating viable career options for sportspersons.