New Delhi: Pullela Gopichand has only pointed out challenges that families face in India’s sporting ecosystem, says Parupalli Kashyap, stressing that his former coach has only reflected the actual realities in the country.
Gopichand recently said that unless Indian families have financial security, it is better not to left children pursue sports as a career, which Kashyap said was a “pragmatic, not pessimistic” approach.
“Gopi sir’s recent remarks about the challenges middle-class families face in pursuing sports as a career resonate deeply with the realities of India’s sporting ecosystem,” the former CWG champion Kashyap wrote on social media platform X.
“He’s absolutely right to highlight the lack of a safety net for athletes who don’t reach the top. In a country where success in sports — outside of cricket — rarely guarantees financial security or societal respect, his call for caution is pragmatic, not pessimistic.
“The middle class, often tethered to the promise of stable jobs and education, risks everything by banking on athletic glory when the odds are stacked against them — less than 1% make it big, and even fewer sustain a livelihood post-career.”
‘Wake-up call’
Kashyap urged not to view Gopichand’s comments as discouraging but more of a sound alarm to address the gaps in system in the country’s sporting structure.
“Look at the examples he cited: national champions relegated to junior clerk roles or Olympic medallists struggling in dead-end sports quota jobs, facing humiliation rather than honour,” the former World No. 6 said.
“India’s infrastructure may be improving, but without robust systems to skill up athletes for alternative careers or ensure dignity in retirement, the dream of sporting success remains a gamble most can’t afford.
“Gopi sir’s not discouraging passion — he’s urging a hard look at the structural gaps that leave most athletes high and dry. It’s a wake-up call we need to heed.”
Parupalli Kashyap urged not to view Pullela Gopichand’s comments as discouraging but more of an alarm to address the gaps in system in the country’s sporting structure. Badminton Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
