New Delhi: With India making bold strides in sports through initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), and the Fit India Movement, the focus is steadily shifting from participation to excellence. Former Senior National Coach Kamesh Gareri believes the foundation is strong but stresses that India must adopt proven global strategies to truly emerge as a sporting superpower.
“India is no longer on the sidelines of global sports. The intent is clear, and the foundation is being laid. But to reach the next level, we must blend our passion with structured, internationally inspired systems,” Gareri said in an exclusive interaction.
Community Sports: The UK Example
In the United Kingdom, sports thrive through community-driven clubs supported by Sport England. These hubs not only make training accessible to children in small towns but also serve as feeders to the national pipeline.
Gareri’s View: India should replicate this by setting up strong district-level clubs, ensuring athletes can develop locally before competing nationally.
Science-Backed Training: Germany’s Approach
Germany’s Olympic achievements stem from heavy reliance on sports science and highly trained coaches. Facilities include biomechanics labs, nutrition specialists, and mental conditioning experts.
Gareri’s Advice: India must invest in regional sports science centres and introduce performance-based certifications for coaches to maintain high training standards nationwide.
School Integration: Lessons from Japan
Japanese schools incorporate bukatsu (daily sports clubs), where students practice regularly while learning discipline, teamwork, and respect.
For India: Gareri suggests embedding 90–120 minutes of structured physical activity into school routines, led by professional PE instructors, to encourage holistic development.
Talent Identification: Australia’s Model
Australia’s AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) scouts children at a very young age and places them in long-term development pathways, which have produced multiple Olympic champions.
Gareri’s Recommendation: Launch a National Talent Identification Program in India, scouting athletes district by district and supporting them with decade-long development plans.
Higher Education and Competitive Sports: The US Pathway
The United States successfully integrates academics with elite-level competition through the NCAA system, which has produced countless global stars while fueling a billion-dollar sports economy.
Gareri’s Suggestion: A University Sports League in India could offer students educational opportunities alongside professional sporting careers, reducing athlete dropouts.
Building a Lasting Sporting Culture
Concluding his remarks, Gareri emphasized India’s immense potential:
“India’s potential is unmatched. With our sheer numbers, youthful energy, and cultural passion for sports, we are capable of achieving global dominance. If we strategically adopt the best practices of leading nations, India won’t just aim for medals—we will build a lasting sporting culture for generations.”
