Next few years will be crucial... by 2036 we'll be at the top: Anju Bobby George

Panel discussed challenges and road map ahead for India to become a global sporting powerhouse

At a time when India is throwing its hat into the ring in the hope of winning the rights to host the 2036 Olympics, former long jumper and Khel Ratna awardee, Anju Bobby George, made a bold assertion at the inaugural edition of the Business Standard Manthan, on Wednesday. "By 2036, we'll be at the top."

Anju was part of the panel discussion that included India's ace compound archer Abhishek Verma, and the CEO of Jamshedpur football club Mukul Choudhari. The trio discussed the challenges and the road map ahead for India's sporting ecosystem.

"The government has put in a lot of effort. We are waiting for the 2036 Olympics. Till then, the next few years are very crucial," Anju said.

Verma said that before looking at the next 12 years, it is pertinent to note how sports other than cricket have evolved over the last 12 years. "In sports, you now have fame, cash, and medals if you are performing well. The government has provided job security for sportspersons. I am an Assistant Commissioner in the Income department now," he said.

Choudhari, who is also the chief of Sports Excellence Centre at Tata Steel, said there is still a lot that needs to be done. "Sports is not an easy career. Coming to the grassroots, we don't have that culture right now. We are choosing sports, which are prevalent in our working areas (archeries, football, and hockey). As far as sports culture is concerned, a lot needs to be done," he explained.

While elaborating on the improving sporting ecosystem in the country, Anju, the country's lone female World Championship medalist, attributed it to an inherent change in mindset.

"Now, we are looking towards sports and sportspersons are becoming today's heroes. The culture is changing," she explained. Anju elaborated on how parents are increasingly pushing their children to forge a career in sports.