As we get ready to welcome 2025, the calendar is already set to host multiple high-profile women’s sports and tournaments scheduled across several disciplines. From Cricket to Rugby and Football, different disciplines are all set to host their major tournaments. As the year 2025 is set to be a monumental one for women in sports, let us discuss four key events for women in sports in 2025 and explore their significance on the world stage.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (May 2025, India)
The International Cricket Council is all set to host the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. The tournament will take place in May, and this will be the fourth edition in the country. Australia are the defending champions as they won their 7th title in 2022 in New Zealand against England. The Aussie women defeated the English women by 71 runs at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch to claim the elusive title for the 7th time. The ICC is yet to decide the venues and schedule for the 2025 Women’s World Cup as it is too early.
Switzerland will be hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro Cup in 2025 for the first time in history.- This would be the 14th edition of the tournament. The tournament comprising 16 teams, will be hosted across 8 cities in Switzerland, namely- Basel, Bern, Thun, Sion, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, and Lucerne. The English team is the favorite to lift the cup yet again, having won the previous edition in 2022.
Women’s Rugby World Cup (September 2025, England)
The Women’s 2025 Rugby World Cup is one of the most awaited women’s sporting events of the year. The 10th edition is all set to be hosted in England from 22nd August to 27th September. The tournament will be played between 16 teams with New Zealand entering as the defending champions. They won the last edition at home in 2021 against England. The World Cup will be hosted across 8 cities including London, Exeter, Sunderland, Northampton, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Manchester, and York. The opening game will be played between the hosts England and the United States of America at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on August 22. The final will take place at the famous Twickenham Stadium in London on 27th September which capacitates 82,000 people.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Sadia Kabeya of England wins a lineout during the TikTok Women’s Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on April 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 (Second Leg 22-28 October, 2025)
The UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 will be running throughout the year and will comprise multiple high-stake matches. The league phase will be contested between February and June, whereas, the finals will take place between October and December. The results of this tournament will be essential in determining the league phase for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifiers slated to take place in Brazil. Check out some of the key dates of the tournament.
Key Dates:
Finals Draw: June 6, 2025
Semi-Finals: October 20–28, 2025 (two legs)
Third-Place Playoff: November 26–December 2, 2025 (two legs)
For every successful athlete, there’s a coach who transformed his career, and made him a champion. In a robust sports ecosystem, quality coaching is as important as unearthing talent. From decision-making to the thought process, coaches directly influence the players in more aspects than one can imagine. Cricket has become a cultural identity for India because we are successful in this sport.
If Tendulkar is retiring, then there’s a Kohli, and now Jaiswal and Gill look ready to take over the reins. And this is down to quality of coaching which keeps producing talent. Other sports needs to do some catching up in making the system more streamlined for coaches and athletes.
Thankfully, the Government of India has put emphasis upon building a stronger coaching infrastructure through various initiatives through the National Coaching Scheme (NCS). The NCS is operated under the aegis of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and is a proven vehicle for development and implementation of various initiatives aimed at coaching and talent development in the country.
Let’s highlights what the National Coaching Scheme is all about and how different programs can impact sports ecosystem in India.
Started in the 1980s, the National Coaching Scheme is a flagship program to recruit, train, and deploy qualified coaches across India. The program is administered through Sports Authority of India and provides a structured way of professional development for coaches.
Its primary objective is to contribute to developing a world-class sporting ecosystem at the grassroots, through talent identification and athlete preparation for global competitions. Coaches through NCS are deployed in various sports programs at the grassroot level and directly influence India’s talent pool.
How National Coaching Scheme Affect India’s Sports Ecosystem
1. Khelo India Program
India’s flagship sports program at the grassroot level. Khelo India was launched in 2018 to to develop and nurture sports talent.
The trained coaches under the NCS work in the Khelo India Programs. So these coaches have a direct impact on the life of an athlete. If the coach lacks in critical thinking or let’s day, isn’t updated with the modern training drills, chances are, he will be producing average athletes.
2. SAI Training Centers (STCs)
Sports Authority of India (SAI) is an apex sports body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. It’s objective is to promote sports and achieving sporting excellence at the National and International level.
Just like Khelo India, the NCS assigns its coaches at SAI Training Centres which are spread across the country. These coaches play a critical role in mentoring and developing athletes at the international and national levels.
3. Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme
These scheme promotes sports in tribal, rural and remote areas. Coaches hired under NCS then visit SAG centres to scout, identify and nurture talent in traditional and indigenous sports. Such initiatives play a critical role in India’s sports ecosystem and it’s success depend on coaches’ ability to identify talent and mold them into world beaters.
4. National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs)
These are top-notch centers of elite training which prepares athletes for Olympic and international events. Coaches at these top-level centres are often former players but NCS does play its role in providing performance-based training using modern technology, analytics, and sports science methods to trainers.
5. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Although TOPS primarily caters to senior and elite athletes, it still has the NCS coaches playing a vital role. NCS coaches works with sports scientists, physiotherapist or nutritionist in achieving optimal performance for athletes.
6. Rural Sports Program
This is the program under which NCS cooperates with state governments to introduce sports in rural areas. Under this scheme, NCS coaches identify talents from rural and economically weaker sections and provide them a pathway in India’s sports ecosystem.
Positive Impact of the National Coaching Scheme
Here we highlighting the impact of National Coaching Scheme on India’s sports ecosystem:
Improved Medal Performances: Although India performed poorly at the 2024 Olympics, India’s overall performance as a nation at the marquee international events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and AsianGames has improved significantly if we compare it with the period before 2000. This is down to NCS initiative.
Empowering Women in Sports: Initiatives under the NCS are also focusing on empowering female athletes. Now we are seeing more and more female athletes like PV Sindhu and Mary Kom representing India at the global level.
Helping In Regional Development: Schemes like the SAG and Rural Sports Program are helping in identifying the talent from remote areas, as coaches are sent specifically to far corners of India for scouting purposes.
Modern TrainingMethods: With the help of modern training methods and equipment, NCS coaches are also helping aspiring athletes achieve their peak performance levels.
Challenges Faced by National Coaching Scheme
Despite the success, the NCS faces several challenges within India’s sports ecosystem.
Quality of Coaches: The supply of skilled coaches, especially in non-mainstream sports such as football, continues to fall short than demand.
Uneven Resource Distribution: There’s no regulations on distributing funds equally across regions. Metro cities benefit more from NCS initiatives than the remote areas, creating imbalances in access to coaching and facilities.
Low Pay: Money is a driving force for everybody. Coaches at the grassroot level are paid low salaries which may result in half-hearted approach towards athlete development from the coaches. A better pay can keep the coaches motivated.
Use of Technology: While elite centers use advanced tools, grassroots-level coaching still relies on traditional methods, leaving athletes from those regions less prepared.
Conclusion
The National Coaching Scheme is indeed a great program to improve the coaching standard in India. It helps in laying a strong foundation for sports persons looking to become a coach. But, as mentioned above, this program is not without faults. Most of India’s population reside in 2nd tier cities and villages and there’s definitely a dearth of quality coaches in those regions. Also, du to lack of a robust scouting system, a lot of talent is going unnoticed. Wheat India need is a sound coaching infrastructure, complemented by a good scouting network to make India a global sporting giant.
The Indian esports industry is expanding with leaps and bounds. The country is all set to get its first-ever online gaming industry named- MP State Esports Academy in Madhya Pradesh.
This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards adopting Esports as a career option. The initiative also helps to bridge the gap between passion and professionalism for budding gamers, as this academy will offer them a structured platform for all their esports needs.
Let’s move ahead and discuss What this academy will mean to the gamers.
The MP State Esports Academy will be focusing on identifying and nurturing budding talent in the world of esports. The talented players will get access to professional coaches with cutting-edge gaming gear and training plans customized for different games, the academy will assist aspiring gamers in honing their tactics, reflexes, and collaboration. The Indian youth has been more into esports of late and the MP State Esports Academy will leave no stone unturned in nurturing the talent.
To Professionalize Esports in the Country
Gone are those days when Esports was just about casual gaming. People have started looking at Esports as a legitimate career choice. The launch of MP State Esports Academy signifies a step towards professionalizing the Esports industry in the country. The academy is all set to play a crucial role in fostering talent and setting industry standards to elevate the stature of Indian esports on the world stage.
Economic and Social Impact
Not only the gamers but also the establishment of an Esports Academy like this are testaments to the government’s recognition of esports as an evolving sector. The industry is expected to boost employment and investment in the sector and foster a vibrant gaming community. Also, this initiative may inspire other states and cities to launch similar academies and expand the Esports community in the country.
Prospects other than Gaming
The academy not only focuses on training players and making them compete at the highest level. It also aims to create an ecosystem for the e-gaming industry by offering players training in the fields of game development, content creation, streaming, and event management. This approach will open doors for diverse career opportunities for all enthusiasts.
With the growing popularity of esports, the demand for skilled professionals in the field will be upright. Contributing to the industry in various capacities will serve as a launchpad for enthusiasts who can then look for dispersed opportunities in the field.
Mohammad Kaif is a renowned former Indian cricketer, commentator and coach. When it comes to the best fielder Indian cricket has seen, Mohd Kaif is one of the first names on the list.
Birth Date
1 December 1980
City
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Siblings
M Saif (Brother)
Father
M Tarif
Teams Played For
India, California Knights, Gloucestershire, India Maharajas, Kings XI Punjab, Leicestershire, Manipal Tigers, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh
Early Life
Mohammad Kaif hails from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. He was born to M Tarif, a professional cricketer who played for Uttar Pradesh and Railways. Like Kaif, his brother Mohammad Saif is a professional cricketer who has played for the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh cricket teams. Coming from a family with a cricket background, Kaif was drawn to the sport at an early age.
Mohammad Kaif was a great talent and was always touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket. He got his first break early, in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000. He led India Colts to a World Cup win in the tournament and was fast-tracked into the national team.
Kaif got his Test debut cap in March 2000 against South Africa and debuted in ODI cricket in January 2002. Kaif represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs in his successful India career.
Kaif featured in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The highlight of his cricketing career was a record partnership alongside Yuvraj Singh in the 2002 NatWest Trophy tri-series final against England as he helped India chase down a mammoth 326 with 87* (off 75 balls).
Mohammad Kaif is married to Pooja Yadav, a journalist by profession. They met in 2007 at a party through mutual friends. After a relationship of 4 years, they tied the knot in 2011 in a private ceremony. The couple has two children.
Photo by Manoj Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Coaching
Mohammad Kaif has been seen taking up several coaching roles in recent years. A natural thinker and leader, he has helped IPL teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in a coaching role.
Commentary is another role that keeps Mohammad Kaif involved deeply in the sport. He has been entertaining cricket fans with insightful commentary stints during International and domestic matches.
Politics
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif forayed into politics for a brief period. In 2014, the cricketer contested in the Lok Sabha polls from Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh, on a Congress ticket but was unsuccessful.
Photo by Sheeraz Rizvi/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Mohammad Kaif remains one of the most celebrated figures in the Indian cricket fraternity and an admired athlete in India.
From being a pastime niche, to a career opportunity, esports has come a long way to become a global phenomenon. Not so long ago, it was once considered a fad for games, but it has now turned into a billion-dollar business. From professional gaming, production, management, and marketing and coaching, there are promising careers up for grabs within this esports ecosystem. But it takes more than just having a passion for gaming, one has to be technologically sound as well to enjoy a fulfilling career.
This is not an exaggeration but esports has grown at an exponential rate, fueled by technological advancements, internet accessibility, and the ever-increasing video gaming culture. Here is an overview of the numbers backing that discussion
The global esports market is expected to reach a valuation of over $1.6 billion by 2024.
Games such as Diablo, Dota 2 and League of Legends World Championship draw millions of viewers worldwide.
Social media platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming boast robust communities where fans watch their favorite players and teams compete live.
Career Opportunities in Esports
This unprecedented growth within the Esports Ecosystem is creating a demand for professionals, who can handle various activities.
1. As a Professional Player
Role: Playing games for a pastime and relieve stress is a different thing than playing it professionally. Becoming a professional gamer requires skills such as faster reflexes, quick decision making, and creative thinking. Competitions are held worldwide were professional gamers participate in tournaments and leagues for games such as Fortnite, CS:GO, and Valorant.
EarningPotential: Big companies are always on the look out for professional gamers with great skills. Gamers are paid handsome salaries and earn sponsorships as well.
Challenges: There is tough competition in this field. The need to perform consistently, and the shorter lifespan of an esport player, makes this a challenging job option.
2. As a Streamer or Content Creator
Role: Many gamers are now making streaming their full-time career as platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming rope in audiences. Streamers entertain by playing games, and discussing a whole lot of other things to engage their users.
EarningPotential: Streamers like iShowSpeed earn in millions through advertising, subscriptions or sponsorships.
Challenges: Building your own following is hard considering a huge community of E-Gamers already exist. The biggest hurdle is to keep creating engaging content which requires top creative skills.
3. As an Esports Team Manager
Role: With Esports becoming a billion dollar industry, there’s a demand for managers who can handle logistics, work on contracts, maintain schedules, and keep a tab on subjects such as sponsorships. The focus point for team managers is to ensure that there is nothing left for the players but to focus on their games.
EarningPotential: Just like any other domain, there’s no limit to what a manager in the ESports Ecosystem can earn.
Challenges: As the ESports ecosystem is relatively new, opportunities are few and far between.
4. As a Coach or Analyst
Role: Coaches and analysts help teams in strategizing and analyzing gameplay to improve performance in esports. Their role become critical for teams fighting for the titles.
Responsibilities: Analysing opposing teams, developing training schedules, and giving tactical insight during matches.
Challenges: Someone looking to become coach or analyst, must possess skills better than actual game players.
5. As an Event Producer and Broadcaster
Role: As someone working in production and broadcast, his role could be of a host, cameramen, sound engineers, or event managers.
Responsibilities: They can work as event managers, video producers, commentators, or broadcasting professionals.
Growth Prospects: The more these events go into large numbers, the more will be the demand for talented production teams.
6. As a Game Developer and Designer
Roles: They are the ones who develop and design the games. But someone developing the game should have skills more then being of a developer. Interest in gaming helps a lot.
Responsibilities: Game Designer, Developer, Quality Assurance Tester, and UX/UI Designer.
Skills Required: Programming, creativity, and love for gaming.
7. As an ESports Marketing Professional
Roles: As e-sports takes more and more centre stage, there’s demand for individuals who are skilled in marketing, branding, and sponsorship.
Responsibilities: As someone working as a ESports marketing professional, the individual should have skill set in marketing campaigns; acquisition of sponsorships; and marketing of tournaments or teams.
Skills Required: This role requires esports Culture Understanding, Creativity, and Negotiating Skills.
8. As an E-Sports Journalist
Roles: Journalists write stories from tournaments, interview players, or focus on trends within the industry.
Responsibilities: Craft engaging content for the internet. Post articles on trending topics and egamers.
Opportunities: From Writers, Editors, Social Media Managers, and Video Content Producers, there are a host of opportunities for individuals.
How to Start a Career in Esports
Identify Your Passion: Identify whether you want to be a coach, content creator or someone else within the esports ecosystem.
Develop Your Skills: Make sure to invest time in honing the skills relevant to your chosen role.
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your achievements, whether it’s a high rank in a game, a popular YouTube channel, or articles on gaming platforms.
Create Network: Attend gaming events, join online communities, and connect with industry professionals.
Challenges in the Esports Industry
Player Burnout: Intense schedules can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.
Lack of Regulation: In India, there’s certainly a lack of standardized rules and regulations.
Gender Disparity: Women face challenges due to stereotypes.
Monetization: It’s hard to create a following on any streaming platform due to already existing strong esports community.
Conclusion
Whether you are a player, coach, manager, or creator, emerging opportunities in this field make it a good career choice for an ethusiasts who have interest in playing games. It can be a win-win situation for someone who loves playing games and have coding skills as well. As Esports continues to grow, the industry will only grow in future with an increasingly deeper impact on entertainment and culture. But playing and the dedication alone will not make Esports a job. One has to be innovative to become part of an explosive industry.
Lionel Messi was a born talent. There’s no doubt about that. But he wouldn’t have become even an iota of a player that he became had he not developed mental resilience. Even a supremely talented player can have an average career if they mentally weak. Developing mental resilience is as important for an athlete as reaching a peak fitness level. The mental aspect is the real differentiator between average, good and great athletes. Some kids are naturally mentally tough but others needs guidance and practice to develop this important skill.
Understanding Mental Resilience
What actually is mental resilience? In simple words, it – the ability to bounce back from setbacks, keep focus under pressure, and keep the head high during tough times. The confidence built by an athlete is a form of mental resilience, and developing such a quality is essential for long-term and sustained growth and success in sports.
Why developing mental resilience is important? In a match between Liverpool and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Mo Salah and Kylian Mbappe both missed a penalty for their respective team. This is not the first time that these players missed a penalty in a game and this won’t be last either. But one thing is certain that both players will bounce back from their personal setbacks. This is due to the mental resilience. Players who play ay their peak level for a long time are often tougher mentally than most other players. It’s their ability to resist hardship as well as adapting and recovering from the obstacles.
Why confidence is a big factor in developing mental toughness? Confidence is the belief with which a person believes he can succeed. It is developed through practice and preparation. A confident athlete doesn’t lose hope in his ability despite hitting a rock bottom. Like Virat Kohli, who hit a remarkable century in the Perth test, which was his first in over 16 months.
Mental toughness can be developed by hard work and effort. It’s a form of thinking that removes the attention of the athlete from worrying about failure and allows him to view challenges as opportunities to learn. Here’s how one can develop mental resilience.
Positive self-talk: Internal dialogue plays a significant role in the construction of one’s confidence. Some of the statements include: “I have trained for this” or “I can take the pressure,” which are some statements that help in aiding the self-doubt level of an athlete.
Imagine Success: Whatever you can imagine can happen if you make efforts for it. Successful athletes visualize performing in a game, making contribution, or outperforming others. Everything can be put into reality if one can image.
Setting Realistic Goals: Always set goals that are realistic. Confidence-building starts with realistic goals because unrealistic ones can only lead to disappointment, while achievable goals can build up momentum and self-belief.
Short-Term Goals: These should focus on getting better day-by-day by tackling something like mastering a particular technique or increasing stamina. These are short-term goals, and achieving them can build confidence, which helps in mental resilience.
Long-Term Vision: Always keep in mind the larger picture, like breaking into a specific team, like an IPL or ISL team, or winning a championship, but it should be broken down into smaller manageable steps.
How To Train and develop Mental Resilience
Focus On Mental Training: Athletes generally put more emphasis on physical training, but mental conditioning is equally a must for an athlete’s success.
Through Meditation: Meditation reduces stress and improves concentration. If an athlete can focus on what is happening during the game, it will keep him from thinking about his past mistakes, thus reducing stress.
Breathing Activities: Deep breathing calms the nervous system and helps athletes stay cool, collected, and confident under high-stress conditions.
Keeping a Diary: Writing helps in keeping a tab on the current events in life, its problems. It can also be used for progress documentation, which ultimately results in building up self-belief.
Fitness compliments healthy mind: Confidence is not only mental but also based on prior preparation. So, an athlete who is regularly training and preparing will feel more and more confident.
Constant Practice: Repeated practice of skills prepares an athlete to perform in competitions. The athlete then knows that he has done all that is required and thus exudes self-confidence.
Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition, sleep, and recovery are essential for top performance. Anything in these three areas neglected over a period can affect an athlete in a negative way, which diminishes self-confidence.
Conclusion
Physical and skill training are essential for an athlete to improve his game and become a better player, but mental resilience is equally important. While it is critical to put oneself into training, proving one’s mettle through skill development, determination in facing obstacles, and faith in self would often separate outstanding athletes from good athletes.
To improve mental resilience, young athletes need a perfect environment which depends on parents, coaches, and teammates. Factors such as realistic goal setting, and perseverance in training, an athlete can build mental toughness and belief that’s essential for peak performance-not just in sport but in life. Resilience is not simply about bouncing back; it is about bouncing forward, much tougher and more determined than before. It becomes the foundation of endurance on that part for the athlete’s success, allowing them to maximize their potential.
Playing a sport and excelling in it are two different things. People play sports to lead an active lifestyle, but some people play sports to excel in it and make a career out of it. Those who strive to go the distance as a sportsperson need to be disciplined and adapt to different techniques early in their career to reap benefits.
Today, in this post, we will discuss five exercises for improving stamina and endurance in sports. So, without wasting any further time, let’s get going with the post.
Interval Training
The first training on this list is the Interval training. Interval training is rated as one of the best exercises to improve cardiovascular efficiency and aerobic capacity. A budding athlete should give this training a try by alternating between high and low-intensity workouts.
How to Perform:
Sprint for at least 30 seconds.
Walk or slowly jog for 1 or 2 minutes.
Repeat this cycle for 8 to 10 times.
Benefits: Performing Interval training with precision mimics game scenarios that require an abundance and burst of energy before recovery.
Plyometric exercises are really helpful in boosting stamina and endurance. These exercises require explosive power in the body to pump stamina via high-intensity and dynamic movements.
How to Perform:
Plyometric exercises include multiple exercises like- box jumps, jump squats, or burpees.
Perform at least 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Rest for a minute or half between sets.
Benefits: Exercises like these are helpful in sports requiring explosive movements like- volleyball, boxing, Table Tennis, etc.
Running and Cycling for Long-Distance
Running and cycling are among the most common exercises performed by people nowadays. These are among the most effective exercises to boost aerobic endurance and also improve the functioning of the heart and lungs.
How to Perform:
Run or cycle at a constant pace starting from 30 to 60 minutes a day.
Gradually increase the pace, distance, and distance over time.
Benefits: Develops a robust base for sports involving prolonged movements and running like- Hockey, Football, Rugby, etc.
High-Intensity Circuit Training
High-intensity circuit training is a combination of strength and endurance training to boost overall fitness and stamina. Circuit training helps boosting overall endurance.
How to Perform:
High-intensity circuit training includes push-ups, pull-ups, kettlebell swings, and lunges in succession.
Give 40 seconds to each exercise with a 20-second rest in between.
3-4 rounds are necessary.
Benefits: Boost the whole body, along with increasing stamina and muscle endurance. Doing these exercises always heats up the body for better performance.
Swimming
Swimming is another common exercise or therapy to effectively build cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. Swimming is a whole-body workout that benefits joints, muscles, and boosts endurance.
How to Perform:
Swimming can be done in laps. Try 2-3 laps at once.
Another way of swimming is to swim continuously for 20-30 minutes.
Try different strokes while swimming like- breaststroke, freestyle, and backstroke for improving various muscle groups.
Benefits: One of the major benefits of swimming is that it helps in improving lung capacity and endurance, especially in high-cardio and water-related sports like diving, water polo, etc.
The Indian sports ecosystem has changed significantly in the last two few years. From being predominantly centered around cricket, to one that is now increasingly embracing other sporting disciplines such as Football, Badminton and Lawn Tennis, sports ecosystem has certainly is changing for good. Believe it or not, this is also down to cricket, which has helped brought more professionalism to other sports. In addition, government programs, private investments, increased media viewership and grassroots programs are some of the factors that also affect the sports ecosystem. Here we try to understand how the Indian Sports Ecosystem works and how to creates opportunities for aspiring Indian athletes.
Structure of Indian Sports Ecosystem
Indian sports ecosystem consists of government, sports federations, schools and private sectors, sponsors, and academies and the athletes themselves.
Government: The biggest protagonist in the Indian sports ecosystem is the Indian government. They hold the key for the development of sports. It’s no secret that sports other cricket needs support from government bodies and all the help in order to improve sporting development framework. Government has launched initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India Movement which focus on grassroots development, improving infrastructure, and athlete support. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has support coaching, takes care of funding, and runs facilities for budding talents.
Sports Federations: The major national sports federations include the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), All India Football Federation (AIFF), and Hockey India, to name a few. Usually, these bodies operate under government regulations and handles operations such as organizing tournaments, scouting talents as well as providing funding to the athletes.
Private Sector: Private sector is also transforming the Indian sports ecosystem. In fact, big private entities such as Reliance, Tata, and JSW have gone a step further and have started working at the grassroot level, setting up academies with modern facilities. Private sector is also bringing massive investments in the sports ecosystem, helping leagues like IPL, PKL, ISL, and PBL to grow even further.
Schools and Colleges: Educational bodies such as schools and colleges are perhaps the backbone of sports ecosystem in any country. Big academies an clubs often look at the schools and colleges for the scout related programs. Inter-school and Inter-College tournaments nurture talent and helps aspiring athlete to be more competitive.
Grassroots Programs: Grassroots programs have been critical in identifying and nurturing talents at an early age. Programs such as Youth Sports by Reliance Foundation (RFYS) and Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) bring the talents closer to opportunities.
Technology and Media: Digital platforms and sports dedicated tools are also part of the Indian Sports Ecosystem. Social media platforms not only bring athletes and opportunities closer but it’s an additional revenue source for athletes while increasing fan engagement.
There’s no dearth of opportunities for talented athletes due to rise of of social media, and government-backed sports programs.
Professional Leagues: IPL paved the way for professional sports leagues culture in India. Leagues such as ISL, PKL and PBL are giving budding Indian athletes a big platform in sports other than cricket.
Government Support: Through programs such as Khelo India, athletes can earn scholarships, funding, and get exposure to national and international competitions.
Sponsorships and Endorsements: With the rise of professional sports leagues, private companies are pumping money into the sports system. Many brands are sponsoring athletes across different sports, with Neeraj Chopra a prime example.
Private Academies: Many private academies like Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, etc., work to develop and train the young athletes.
Challenges within the Indian Sports Ecosystem
Limited Infrastructure: Most rural and semi-urban territories still do not possess adequate facilities.
Imbalanced Attention: Cricket has got such a huge attention and resources, that most other sports had to struggle for even little visibility and support.
No Professional Advice: Athletes often do not get to avail quality coaching and, sports science, and career advice.
Financial Barrier: Costs of training, travel, and equipment deter talented athletes, particularly from economically weaker families.
How Athletes Can Get The Most Out Of the Indian Sports Ecosystem
To get the most out of the Indian sports ecosystem, athletes should keep a strategic view:
Take advantage of the grassroot programs: Athletes should always take part in grassroots programs and interschool intra-college tournaments.
Leverage Social Media: Strong online presence through social media such as Instagram and YouTube can help athletes in getting sponsorships and facilitate outreach.
Camps and Trials: Opportunities and few and far between. Athletes should keep a tab on open trials, along with training camps and state/national-level tournaments.
Awareness: Government schemes as well as providing beneficial scholarships and private programs should be closely monitored by the athletes with an effort not to miss out on good opportunities.
Conclusion
Infrastructure, government policies, and private sector involvement have gone a long way toward creating a very promising picture for aspiring athletes in India. But the Indian sports ecosystem is not straightforward. Funding doesn’t often reach the deserved athlete, while favorism at the grassroot level can’t be ruled out either. Till the system becomes robust, athletes must understand how to works and how to get the most out of the available resources and opportunities.
For Indian aspiring athletes, tomorrow is always bright. Accept the opportunities, overcome the challenges and stay true to their passion for sports.
Every child’s sports journey begins with a dream. When kids are old enough to imagine and perceive things, this is when the old adage “Coming events cast their shadows long before” comes to the fore. This is the stage when parents should be extremely observant of their children’s decisions, what they like to do, and what comes naturally to them. Like Lionel Messi, football came naturally to him. He became a world-beater and achieved everything in football because his parents supported him in his sports journey.
For children to achieve their dreams, they need unwavering support from their parents. This may involve guidance, emotional backing, and creating a balanced environment that encourages growth both on and off the field. Here’s how parents can actively support their child’s sports journey.
1. Understand Their Passion
Children tend to get more into sports once they grow up by natural talent, listening to someone who really inspires him/her, or being secretary/mentor. And as a good parent, it is important to perceive and support their passion while talking to them and listening to them. It opens up the door for their interests. Parents should always be judgment free. Allowing young kids to switch sports or take a break also fosters trust and encouragement.
2. Teach Them To Embrace Wins and Defeats as Learning Curve
Usually children face ups and downs in studies and sports field. So, there would be moments when the child is celebrating the victories, and in other moments, there would be lessons learned from defeats. It’s important for parents to teach your child to seize those occasions as learning experiences, embrace effort, discipline, and guide them to look at the bigger picture, rather than letting them lost in those moments of wins and defeats. Instill that there is a stepping stone to success with failure and thus build resilience and a growth mindset for them.
3. Provide Emotional Support
Parents should become an emotional anchor to their children. They should be the first people whom the kid look up to share their emotions and whatever they are feeling in particular moments. Celebrate every little victory; from the tiniest they can achieve to the biggest, or when an event doesn’t go well, let them be able to cry or shed a few tears and be there for them. Their confidence and motivation would much improve by having you with them to comfort them.
4. Inculcate Healthy Food Habits
There’s no point in pursuing sport if the diet goes unregulated. The balanced diet, adequate refreshment, and good night’s sleep are essential, and critical in a kid’s sports journey. Sports is all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and inculcating good habits. Parents should always keep a tab on their children’s food habits. Regular check-ups with a sports physician would also help to avoid injuries. Mental fatigue and anxiety should also be watched for.
5. Maintain Healthy balance between Sports and Academics
Maintaining a balance between sports and academics can be tiresome for children, especially when a lot of time is consumed in travel. This is when parents can play a vital role in teaching their kids about maintaining a timetable and discipline. Watching TV or playing video games can help a child in relaxing and taking some pressure off their mind, but Parents have to make sure that their children are not spending too much time on these activities.
6. Teach Them Responsibility
Yes, Parents should guide their children but it is also important for your child to learn to shoulder certain responsibilities. Teach them how hard work, discipline, and accountability come before success in any field. Children should be taught about creating their own timetable, forming their own eating habits and how to keep balance between sports and education. This not only prepares them to meet the rigors of the sport but teaches them life skills as well.
7. Be Involved, But Draw A Line
It’s not an exaggeration, but sometimes parents can also be the biggest enemy of their child. Sometimes they become over-permissive or too critical of their choices. Parents should always remember that their children go through a lot of hormonal changes, and this is the phase when children experience mood swings. Too much micromanagement can lead to stress and resentment towards parents. So, draw a line and let your child grow. More importantly, let them make decisions so that they learn about responsibility.
8. Be a Role Model
Fathers and mother are the greatest role models for children. Often child grasp everything from their parents – how they behave in public, how they react to hurdles and setbacks and how they treat other people. So, who them the virtues of being patient and the trueness of hard work. Be humble during your good times and remain calm during storm. This is the best sportsmanship you can teach your kids. Remember, everything starts from home. Be the best role model for your kids.
9. Create good surroundings
Build a Support Network Surround your child with a positive network of coaches, teammates, and mentors who inspire and guide them. Attend their games, connect with other sports parents, and share experiences to create a strong community of support. Your child would be greatly influenced by your network.
Father helping boy with knee trauma after playing basketball. Sports Injury.
10. Be Patient In Your Child’s Sports Journey
Sports is not a 100-meter sprint. It’s a marathon that requires steady walks and occasional sprints. This is a journey where there will be doubts and would certainly come a stage when success look a far-fetched idea. This is when parents should be ready to make sacrifices, and be prepared to take hard choices where they must compromise and adapt while also keeping in sight the one goal – your child’s success.
Conclusion
Supporting a child’s in his sports journey means much more than enrolling them in a good sports academy or cheering them from the stands. Always keep in mind that your child would be spending most of his time with you, that means, you are the guide, motivator, and emotional support through each step of his life’s journey. Every little support you give during his development’s phase can set foundations that could really make a difference tomorrow. So, be their biggest fan, strongest advocate, and most trusted mentor, and watch them soar both on and off the field.
Warming up before a workout or performance is not just essential but a game-changer. It ensures injury prevention and peak performance. Whether you’re about to play sports, strength train, or engage in any physical activity, it is a must to limber up with a full-body warm-up regimen.
We have put together an easy 10-minute warm-up routine so that you keep injuries at bay and prime your muscles for maximum performance. Let’s first get to understand the need to warm up.
Why do you need a Warm-Up Routine?
Our muscles and joints are also at rest when we are physically inactive during rest, sleep, or commute. With warm-up, we activate muscles and joints, triggering the central nervous system to turn on. If we don’t get straight to intense workouts, we may strain muscles which can lead to injuries. Besides, warming up improves blood circulation and flexibility.
Take these steps to get your body ready for any workout. It is advised to perform each of the below-mentioned exercises for up to 1 minute in the same sequence.
1. Arm Circles
Extend your arms out to the sides.
Make small, controlled circles.
Increase the circle size gradually.
This helps loosen your shoulder joints and increase blood flow.
2. Hip Circles
Place your hands on your hips and rotate them in a wide circle, like a hula hoop.
Perform clockwise for the first 30 seconds.
Perform counterclockwise rotations for the next 30 seconds.
This will help open up your hip joints
This exercise is crucial before running activities.
3. Leg Swings
Hold onto a wall.
Swing one leg forward and backward for 15 seconds
Sing the leg side to side thereafter for 15 seconds.
Now, do the same with the other leg.
It is great to activate your hip muscles and improve mobility.
