Is India’s Growth as a Sporting Power Dependent on Consistent Success and Modern Tools?

New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) India’s transformation into a prominent global sporting nation relies not just on achieving lasting success in varied disciplines, but also on the readiness to adopt modern technologies and tools, stated PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, during her address on Friday.

"Sport should be regarded as an essential element of education and daily life, rather than a mere distraction. The global sporting environment is changing at an unprecedented rate. Technology and sports science are integral to achieving success today. Factors like data analysis, bio-mechanics, recovery techniques, and nutrition strategies are pivotal in shaping champions.

"For India to be on par with the greatest, we must adopt these tools and ensure their availability at all levels. However, we must not overlook the fundamentals: hard work, resilience, and integrity.

"While technology can enhance an athlete's performance, it is character that defines a true champion. For India to genuinely flourish as a sporting nation, we must achieve consistent and widespread success, supported by a robust system that nurtures talent across various disciplines," Usha emphasized at the PlayCom 2025 summit.

She further noted the necessity for India to transform its perception of sports in daily life. “Our objective should be to see India shine not just in cricket or a select few sports, but also in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, and beyond. This is the future we should collectively strive for. To accomplish this, a cultural shift is essential.

"Sports should not be an activity we engage in solely during major events. It should be an integral part of our lives. Every school must provide children with the time and space to play. Every community should offer safe grounds for both boys and girls to train.

"Parents should view sports not as a risk but as an opportunity. When we cultivate such a culture, medals and records will come naturally. I often say, one athlete can inspire a nation, but a nation that embraces sport can inspire the world,” Usha added.

Usha, who was elected unopposed as the first female president of the IOA, further emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent from the grassroots level. She shared her own journey – hailing from Payyoli, a small village in Kerala, and representing India in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she narrowly missed the bronze medal by a mere one-hundredth of a second in the 400m hurdles final.

"To many, this may have seemed like a defeat, but for me, it was a pivotal moment. It demonstrated that an Indian woman could compete with the world's best. We conveyed a message to every aspiring athlete in our nation: nothing is out of reach if you dream big and work diligently. That’s the true essence of sport.

"India's sporting history is replete with such inspirational moments – from Dhyan Chand’s hockey brilliance to Milkha Singh’s iconic runs, cricketers uniting the nation, and today’s champions in badminton, wrestling, boxing, and shooting. These victories are more than just medals or records.

"They represent milestones that have reshaped India’s self-perception and belief in what is achievable. However, history alone cannot propel us forward. The pressing question is, what lies ahead for Indian sports? I believe the answer rests in grassroots development. Talent is not restricted to metropolitan areas or prestigious academies.

"It exists in the smallest towns and the most remote villages. A child running barefoot to school, a girl practicing kabaddi in her backyard, a boy training for hockey in the fields. These children already possess strength, speed, and determination. What they require is opportunity, proper training, nutrition, facilities, and above all, encouragement from parents and educators.

"My journey has been filled with its share of highs and lows. Yet, the greatest gift sport has bestowed upon me is not medals, but discipline, confidence, and the courage to dream big. As we honor our sporting history and look towards the future, let us pledge that no child in India should be deprived of the chance to play, to dream, and to shine. Let us create a future where sports are not an exception but a way of life,” she concluded.