She stated that in her case, the government and authorities have stood by her from the start. The shuttler expressed that competitive leagues for different sports are opening floodgates nowadays, presenting hopes for a brighter future.
“I believe it’s very important to have a robust system in place, starting from the grassroots level. It shouldn’t be the case that when someone reaches a certain level, people suddenly realize the need for support, infrastructure, or resources. These foundations need to be built from the grassroots level itself,” Sindhu said.
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She added, “I’m happy to say that we’ve been receiving good support from the government and the sports authorities. However, I think there is still a need for more leagues across various sports. Many young athletes are performing exceptionally well but lack the platform to showcase their talent. Leagues like those for kabaddi, tennis, and pickleball are emerging, and I hope we see more of them across all sports.”
Financial challenges hold back talented athletes
Sindhu also opened up on the role of sponsorships in furthering an athlete’s career. She remarked that several sportspeople across various disciplines still lack the opportunity to prove their mettle. This is where the responsibility of professional leagues becomes important, as they give them a platform to uplift their potential to a greater level and realise their potential. Affording the amenities that come with pursuing professional sports is no mean task. However, a lending hand could be laid out by those with a substantial financial strength behind them, bringing about a collective growth of the entire ecosystem in India.
“Such leagues provide recognition to athletes and inspire others to believe that they, too, can achieve greatness. There are many hardworking athletes who lack opportunities to prove themselves. These leagues can give them a platform to shine and show the world their potential,” Sindhu said.
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She added, “In addition, sponsorships and support from associations like Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) and GoSports play a crucial role. Financial challenges often hold back talented athletes who cannot afford to continue their journey. This is a major issue. Sponsors can help by supporting them financially, enabling them to participate in tournaments and hone their skills.”
Initiatives like Khelo India and similar tournaments are commendable
Sindhu touched upon the duties that the governmental bodies are donning towards this mission, in the form of events such as the Khelo India Games. She understands that such programs are of utmost importance especially for athletes belonging to financially weaker backgrounds. It enables them to participate in such events professionally, showcase their skillsets, compete against the best, and eventually secure sponsorships that can uplift their stature in the sporting world, enabling them to compete against stronger opponents.
“Initiatives like Khelo India and similar tournaments are also commendable, as they encourage kids by offering schemes such as financial support for those who perform well. These programs provide the much-needed motivation and backing for youngsters, especially those from financially weaker backgrounds. For many, such support can be the difference between giving up and reaching a level where they can prove themselves. These initiatives, leagues, and sponsorships are vital for nurturing talent and helping athletes achieve their dreams,” Sindhu signed off.
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Sindhu has been a pioneering figure in the Indian sporting landscape, being the first female athlete from the country to win two individual Olympic medals. She is a former World No. 1 ranked player in women’s singles standings and won the World Championship in 2019. Sindhu was conferred with the prestigious Khel Ratna award in 2016, and the Padma Shri in 2020.
