Saina Nehwal speaks on Cricket getting all the attention in India. Is it Cricket’s fault or other Sports bodies?
Badminton icon Saina Nehwal openly criticised the “disproportionate” focus on cricket compared to other sports in India. Nehwal, India’s first Olympic medal-winning shuttler with a bronze at the 2012 London Games, highlighted the unequal treatment of sports in the nation, stressing the need for broader recognition of non-cricketing disciplines.
What led Saina Nehwal to say so?
In June, Team India ended an 11-year ICC title drought by clinching the T20 World Cup in Barbados against South Africa. This victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with exuberant fans filling the streets. Recognising their achievement, the BCCI announced a prize of Rs 125 crore for the winning team, and state governments pledged additional cash rewards.
However, criticism arose when the Maharashtra government announced cash rewards exclusively for their state cricketers. Badminton player Chirag Shetty voiced concern, emphasising the need for recognition across all sports. Saina Nehwal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the disparity in attention between cricket and other sports in India, stressing the importance of equitable treatment for athletes in all disciplines.
What did Saina Nehwal say?
Saina emphasised that athletes in various other disciplines are more “tough physically” and deserve similar recognition and support. “Everyone wants to know what Saina is doing, what wrestlers and boxers are doing, what Neeraj Chopra is doing. Everyone knows these sportspersons, because we have consistently performed and we have been on the newspapers. I did that, I feel it’s like a dream that I did it in India, where there isn’t even a sporting culture,” Saina said on the Nikhil Simha podcast.
“Sometimes, I feel bad that cricket gets all the attention. The thing about cricket is… if you see badminton, basketball, tennis, and other sports are so tough physically. You don’t even have time to pick up the shuttle and serve, you are like… you are breathing so hard. A game like cricket gets so much of attention where I personally believe skill is more important.”
Why does cricket overtake all other sports in India?
Cricket has been reigning supreme as India’s favourite sport, overshadowing its competitors with a blend of historical legacy, media influence, and cultural significance. Cricket’s journey in India began during the British colonial era, embedding itself into the fabric of Indian society over decades. The sport’s evolution from a colonial import to a national obsession parallels India’s own history and struggles for independence. The sport has been a deep-rooted passion among generations.
Media Coverage
One of the defining factors in cricket’s dominance is its extensive media coverage. Television broadcasts, digital platforms, and newspapers dedicate significant resources to covering cricket matches, player interviews, and off-field dramas. This saturation ensures that cricket remains a constant presence in the lives of millions of Indians.
The players themselves are elevated to celebrity status, akin to Bollywood stars. Icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni have not only excelled on the field but have also become household names off it. Their endorsements and public appearances further cement cricket’s place in popular culture.
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Corporate Sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship plays a pivotal role in cricket’s success story. Major companies pour substantial investments into cricket tournaments, teams, and players. The Indian Premier League (IPL), for instance, has become a lucrative platform for both cricketers and sponsors, generating enormous revenue and expanding the sport’s reach.
International Success and National Pride
India’s success on the international stage has also impacted cricket’s popularity. Victories in marquee tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup evoke nationwide celebrations, leading to a sense of national pride and unity. These achievements amplify cricket’s allure, inspiring young talents and further entrenching its status as India’s beloved sport.
Other sports, such as hockey and football, have not had the same level of success or investment, and have therefore not been able to compete with cricket in terms of popularity.
Lack of infrastructure for other sports
The lack of infrastructure and funding for other sports has hindered their growth and development. While cricket has a strong ecosystem and a wealthy cricket board, other sports have not had the same level of investment.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in other sports, and efforts have been made to promote and develop them. The future of sports in India looks promising, with a growing awareness of the importance of investing in other sports.
Is cricket not ‘tough’?
Every sport has its kind of toughness and test in all aspects. So does Cricket. The physical demands, technical skills, and mental toughness required to excel in cricket make it a unique and difficult sport. Especially the physical demands, wherein the players require a high level of cardiovascular endurance to maintain their energy levels over a long period. A Test match lasts for five days, and players need to be able to sustain their energy levels throughout.
Cricketers need to be able to run quickly between wickets, make sharp turns, and change direction rapidly. This requires a high level of speed, agility, and quick reflexes. They need strong arms, legs, and core muscles to be able to bat, bowl, and field effectively. They need to be able to generate power and speed to hit the ball long distances and bowl the ball at high speeds.
With physical abilities, the technicalities also play an important role in cricket. For instance, batting requires a high level of technical skill, including the ability to hit the ball with precision and power. Batters need to be able to read the game, anticipate the bowler’s actions, and adjust their stroke play accordingly. On the other hand, bowling requires technical skills too, including the ability to deliver the ball with control. Bowlers need to be able to vary their pace, spin, and direction to outsmart the batters.
Last but not least is mental toughness. Cricket is a high-pressure sport, and players need to be able to handle the stress and pressure of performing in front of large crowds and under intense media scrutiny. Cricketers need to be able to maintain their concentration and focus over a long period, often in hot and humid conditions. They need to be able to stay focused and avoid distractions to perform at their best.
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What should be done to uplift other sports?
While cricket has long been the dominant force, it is time to uplift and promote other sports in the country. To achieve this, a comprehensive approach is necessary, involving government support, corporate investment, grassroots development, media coverage, and more. The government plays a vital role in allocating funds and resources for sports infrastructure, training programs, and competitions. This support enables the development of world-class facilities and provides opportunities for athletes to shine.
Grassroots Development
Grassroots programs identify and nurture young talent, promote sports in schools and colleges, and develop community sports centres. This foundation is crucial for building a strong sports ecosystem.
Empowering Champions
Providing financial support, training facilities, and coaching enables athletes to compete at the international level, making India proud. Also, efforts should be made to establish professional leagues for different sports, which provide a platform for top-level competition, attracting top talent and investors.
Infrastructure Development
The sport’s governing bodies in India should build modern stadiums, training facilities, and sports complexes which will enable the country to host international events, providing a platform for athletes to shine in various sports. All sports should be encouraged in schools and colleges, developing a culture of physical activity.
Fan Engagement
We Indians, who are over 1.3 billion in population, can make any sport big and wide by supporting them with loyalty. Encouraging fan engagement through social media, marketing campaigns, and events builds a loyal fan base, supporting Indian sports and athletes.
Uplifting other sports in India requires a collaborative effort from the government, corporates, media, and the public. By implementing these measures, India can become a sports powerhouse, producing world-class athletes, and inspiring a nation.
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