Sunil Gavaskar, former cricketer, has recently spoken about sports and the many ways to make it affordable during a panel discussion on 'Making sports in India'. Gavaskar stated that sports should be made affordable. He also stated that sports should be a part of the school curriculum. As a consequence, it can be considered as a career option, further creating a positive atmosphere for sports in the country. Sunil Gavaskar added that when it comes to sports, India's biggest plus is the population. Hence, it should not be difficult to find people who would excel in different sports across the world. 

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Making sports affordable 

Gavaskar, in reference to making sports affordable, stated that there are essentially three things to make it inexpensive. Firstly, the act of playing sports should be affordable, to begin with. Secondly, it should be part of the school curriculum. Thirdly, to make people understand that being in sports could be a career option that they could consider.

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'The moment sport becomes a career option, then everybody, the child, the parents they all get involved in that. Then schools can come in and help by making sports part of their curriculum. I think then we have a win-win situation.' Gavaskar stated.

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On promoting sports in India 

Aparna Popat, former badminton player, stated that sports should not be seen from the point of just winning medals. She cited the example of Rio Olympics-2016, stating that 11,200 athletes from over 200 nations were participating but only 366 medals were distributed. She added that if funds could be efficiently put together, sports in India can achieve a lot more. Ashwini Nachappa, former sprinter was moderating the discussion. She gave a presentation on the initiatives by the Ashwini Sports Foundation in Kodagu. Jitu Virwani, the founder of the Equestrian Academy, stated that channelising the CSR mandates of corporates would bring in a positive atmosphere for sports in the country. The other panellists were Volvo India President and Managing Director Kamal Bali and sports journalist, Suresh Menon.

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(With PTI inputs)