Gopi Bhaisahab's statement is demoralizing | By Gaurav Khanna

Sport is about nation-building, and as coaches, our role is to promote and encourage talent from all sections of society.

I am surprised by coach Pullela Gopichand’s statement discouraging middle-class parents from pushing their children to pursue sports. I still find it hard to believe whether he truly meant it this way or if his words were misinterpreted.

Sports has given me purpose

While I am not fully aware of Gopichand’s financial background when he started his career, certainly today he is a successful sportsperson who is well recognised and respected in every spectrum of life. He has also rightly supported his daughter Gayatri Gopichand’s pursuit of becoming a badminton player. She is now excelling in the sport and others should follow her path.

My major concern is if this belief applies to able-bodied athletes, what about young children with disabilities who are already struggling with lifelong challenges?

Such statements can be demotivating, especially at a time when India's sports culture is evolving positively and the country is undergoing a transformation in how sports are perceived.

The future of Indian sports is bright, and it is crucial to sustain this momentum. Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports, even if they do not reach the highest level of success. The lessons learned—resilience, discipline, and perseverance—are invaluable in life.

It would be unfair to both life and sport, which have given me so much, to say that I agree with Gopichand.

I was once an aspiring athlete, but financial hardships and severe knee injuries prevented me from reaching the highest level. Forced to shift my focus to education, I eventually secured a government job.

However, my passion for sports never faded.

Determined to give back to badminton, I supported a few hearing-impaired children in taking up the sport. I also learned sign language to train them.

Back then, para-badminton was not even part of the Paralympics. I also pursued technical roles—qualifying as an umpire, mastering tournament software, and eventually become a referee.

My resilience and dedication helped me move forward.

Today, I am the only Indian to have simultaneously qualified as an International Umpire, International Referee, and International Coach. I have been entrusted with significant roles, including Competition Director and Manager for Khelo India and the National Games.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would one day be honoured as India’s first Dronacharya Awardee in para-badminton and the first Padma Shri coach in any para-sports.

Looking back, I realize that sports is nothing less than divine—it has shaped my life, given me purpose, and continues to inspire me.

Challenges exist in any profession

Therefore, I strongly disagree with the notion that sport does not offer security or career opportunities and that parents should refrain from encouraging their children to pursue a career in sports.

We rarely see children from billionaire families—like the Ambanis, Tatas, or Adanis—pursuing sports, winning Olympic or World Championship medals or becoming Arjuna Awardees. They are invested in their family business.

The majority of Indian sportspersons come from middle-class or humble backgrounds, making them the true backbone of Indian sports.

While challenges exist in sports, as they do in any profession, the notion that sport does not offer stability and respect is misleading. Today, athletes are reaping significant benefits—not only through high cash awards, sponsorships, and recognition but also through government jobs and career stability.

Not everyone will become a champion, but the lessons learned from sports—the never-say-die spirit and the strong comeback attitude—can help individuals succeed in other fields within sports, such as coaching, officiating, or administration.

Para sports, in particular, have seen remarkable growth, offering dignity and financial stability to many differently-abled athletes. After years of struggle, we have finally convinced parents to encourage their children—especially those with disabilities—to pursue sports. We cannot afford to let this momentum fade.

Also, India’s sports culture has improved tremendously.

Can you name another country where the Prime Minister is so closely connected with athletes? Our Prime Minister not only conveys his best wishes before major competitions but also personally congratulates medal winners and hosts special celebrations upon their return. This level of engagement is a unique and defining aspect of Indian sporting culture.

With increasing support from both the government and corporates, athletes—both able-bodied and differently-abled—now benefit from improved facilities, training, financial aid, and job security.

Para athletes, in particular, have experienced a revolutionary transformation in terms of recognition, sponsorships, and employment opportunities.

India is still developing as a sporting nation, and in this context, such statements could discourage young athletes and demoralize their families.

Sport have been a beacon of hope and empowerment including for those with disabilities. The debate should not be about discouraging participation, but rather about Searching for talent at a younger age and from remote areas, strengthening support systems, improving grassroots development, and ensuring financial security for athletes.

What Gopichand says matters

Gopi Bhaisahab is a legend, and his opinions are widely respected. While he is entitled to share his views and experiences, what he says truly matters.

I felt bad when I saw some people posting on social media calling his statement a "harsh reality" or "bitter truth". This may discourage those who are actively working to promote grassroots talent, regardless of their background.

Young athletes, especially those from middle-class families, might feel their efforts are futile. Parents, too, might hesitate to support their children’s sporting dreams. This could lead to a decline in talent development, which would be a setback for Indian sports.

While India has made significant strides in promoting sport, a more structured approach to athlete development is needed to ensure long-term financial security and career opportunities. Early financial support is crucial. While we cannot expect everything to be dependent on government policies, corporates, stronger sections of society, and even former sportspersons should step forward to contribute.

The initial years are the toughest, athletes struggle to prove themselves. Once they are established, financial issues are comparatively lower.

Middle-class parents are already hesitant to invest in sports due to financial constraints. If monetary support is withdrawn, many talented athletes may be forced to quit due to a lack of resources.

This would be a huge setback, especially for para sports, where accessibility and specialized equipment require significant investment.

The key areas for improvement, therefore, include:

• Stronger grassroots infrastructure and talent identification programs

• More financial support and scholarships for junior athletes

• Clear career pathways, including post-retirement job opportunities

• Better accessibility and training facilities, especially for para-athletes

• Awareness campaigns to educate parents about sports as a viable career

• Stricter policies against age fraud, doping violations, unfair team selection, and other unethical practices

Sports have given me everything, and I am indebted to it for life.

Badminton is like God to me, and I firmly believe that we must continue to support and uplift young athletes—not discourage them.

As told to Sudipta Biswas.