Gopichand warns Against Professional Sports Careers for children
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Hyderabad—amidst India’s burgeoning athletic scene, a cautionary note has been sounded by national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand. In a recent interview,the former All England champion urged parents to carefully weigh the realities of professional sports before encouraging their children to pursue such careers.
Gopichand’s concerns are rooted in the increasing appeal of professional sports,fueled by initiatives like khelo India,Top Scheme,Go Sports,OGQ,and corporate sponsorships. however, he stresses the absence of a robust support system for athletes who don’t achieve elite status. I advise parents not to put their children in sports. We are not in a position to offer sports as a career. Unless the children are from rich backgrounds or have a family business, it is not advisable for children to take up sport,
he stated.
He painted a stark picture of the odds: The reality of sport is that less than 1% of people who take up sport end up having it as a profession or career,
he explained. In sports like cricket, this number could be marginally better, but in essence sport would mean that a very small percentage of them make it. Where do we end up? What are the returns of the people who have made it?
This raises crucial questions about the long-term financial security and prospects for athletes who dedicate their lives to their sport but fail to reach the top.
Gopichand’s concerns extend beyond financial security. He described the post-athletic lives of many accomplished athletes, using his own academy in Hyderabad as an example.Olympic medallists who work in the railways, RBI, Income Tax, police or a PSU have a lower rank than a civil servant who gets to reap benefits of his learning till the age of 60. The Olympic medallist who has burned himself out, will have to call the civil servant ‘sir’ or ‘madam’.
He questioned the societal respect and opportunities afforded to athletes who have represented their country with distinction.
He further illustrated his point with the example of Jyothi Yarraji, a 100m hurdles silver medalist from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, who has publicly appealed for a suitable job. He also expressed disappointment with the treatment of hockey stars like Dhanraj Pillay and Mukesh Kumar, and shooter vijay Kumar, questioning, Going by what they have done for the country, is this the right kind of reward they deserve? If this is the case, how can we encourage our children to take up sport?
Mukesh Kumar, a former hockey captain, corroborated Gopichand’s concerns, stating that even national-level hockey players struggle to find employment today. In our days,we used to get some job,but now many top PSUs and banks have stopped recruiting hockey players. The situation is depressing,
he said.
Gopichand advocates for a comprehensive safety net to support athletes, suggesting that a broader skillset and option career paths are crucial. To survive, these sportspersons also need other skills. Like spoken English,presentation skills,and more importantly,a motivation to do something different once they retire. often, just the motivation is missing,
he concluded.
Headline:
The Untold Truth of Professional Sports Careers: Is It a Viable Path for Our Children?
Introduction:
Amidst India’s burgeoning athletic scene, Pullela Gopichand’s recent remarks have stirred a crucial conversation: Should we encourage children to pursue professional sports careers? Less than 1% of athletes achieve elite status, prompting key questions about the long-term viability and support for sports professionals. Here, a renowned expert on sports economics and policy, Dr. Ayesha Mehta, offers an in-depth analysis of this pressing issue.
Interview
Q1: Dr. Mehta, with initiatives like Khelo India and corporate sponsorships increasing the allure of professional sports, what key considerations should parents weigh when contemplating a sports career for their children?
ayesha Mehta:
The decision to encourage a child towards a professional sports career must weigh both potential and pitfalls. The appeal of sports is undeniable,and initiatives like Khelo India have undoubtedly paved the way for nurturing talent. However, parents should consider the reality that less than 1% of aspiring athletes achieve a professional career. Unlike stable academic or vocational paths, sports do not guarantee financial or job security.
Parents need to assess not just the passion and talent of their child,but also their ability to diversify skills,such as developing a competence in a secondary skill set or an alternate career path. The absence of a structured support system for those athletes who don’t reach elite status can lead to financial instability and limited career opportunities post-retirement. Past cases—like Olympic athletes struggling to find respectable employment—highlight the need for a pragmatic approach.
Q2: Gopichand highlighted the plight of accomplished athletes who face societal challenges, such as lower ranks compared to other civil servants. What long-term societal support mechanisms could be introduced to rectify this disparity?
Ayesha Mehta:
This is a critical issue that underscores the gap between achievements in sports and societal recognition and support. Athletes who’ve represented their countries with distinction deserve respect and opportunities comparable to any professional in society. An effective mechanism could include creating tailored employment opportunities or career transition programs for athletes, providing them with skills applicable in various industries.
Public and private sectors might collaborate to offer specialized roles, harnessing athletes’ public speaking and leadership skills.Moreover, robust sports academies could integrate career counseling and professional development, preparing athletes for life post-retirement. Acknowledging their contributions through awards or commemorative ranks within organizations might also help bridge this disparity.
Q3: The example of Jyothi Yarraji and prominent athletes struggling to find suitable employment is striking. How can we reassess the talent development programs to ensure they deliver on the promise of securing athletes’ futures?
Ayesha Mehta:
It is indeed disheartening when athletes like Jyothi Yarraji face challenges despite their achievements. Talent development programs need to rethink their structure to not just hone sporting skills but also to provide a holistic education. Integrating career management training as a core component of sports education can equip athletes with the tools necessary for diversifying their career prospects.
Moreover, partnerships with universities and businesses can ensure that athletes have clear pathways to education and employment beyond sports. programs can include internships or fellowships aimed specifically at athletes to help them gain experience in other fields. Creating a pipeline from sports to diverse careers ensures athletes are not just one-dimensional athletes but versatile individuals prepared for various professional scenarios.
Q4: Many, like the former hockey captain Mukesh Kumar, note the difficulty in securing employment for current national-level athletes. What steps can be taken to improve their employment prospects?
Ayesha Mehta:
Improving employment prospects for athletes requires a concerted effort from sports federations, industries, and government bodies. Implementing policies that encourage companies to hire athletes onc their sports careers are over is crucial. These policies could include tax incentives or public recognition for companies that contribute to athlete transition programs.
Additionally, creating awareness among employers regarding the unique qualities athletes bring to any role, such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience, can broaden acceptance. Expanding grassroots initiatives that build connections between athletes and potential employers early in their careers can foster a more seamless transition to the workforce.
Q5: Gopichand suggests that athletes need to develop skills beyond sport,like spoken English and presentation skills. How can sports institutions incorporate these into their training programs effectively?
Ayesha Mehta:
Sports institutions can play a pivotal role in broadening their training programs to incorporate essential life skills. Developing curricula that parallel sports training with complete education is essential. Partnering with educational institutions to offer certified courses in interaction, leadership, and digital skills will be beneficial.
Practical workshops and seminars conducted by professionals outside the sports domain can bridge gaps, allowing athletes to explore diverse interests and skillsets. encouraging student-athlete programs where athletes can pursue part-time studies or internships will build resilience in adapting to multiple career pathways.
Final Thoughts
The conversation surrounding the viability of professional sports careers for children is complex and multi-layered.While the passion for sports is a noble pursuit, it is indeed imperative for both parents and sports institutions to equip aspiring athletes with the education and skills needed for life beyond sports.Only through a structured,supportive ecosystem can we ensure that athletes’ contributions to society are rightfully acknowledged and rewarded.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical issue in the comments below or on our social media platforms. How should parents and institutions support young athletes in their journey?