Pankaj Verma’s Post

India's Sports Culture: Unleashing the Power of Diversity 🏅 India, a land of diverse cultures and talents, holds immense potential in the world of sports. But to truly unlock this potential, we need to think beyond just cricket. Imagine if each state in our country took the responsibility to nurture and develop a particular sport, just like how Odisha, under the visionary leadership of its former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, transformed Indian hockey. Under his leadership, Odisha became the cradle of Indian hockey, offering unwavering support and world-class facilities. The result? A historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and a resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage. This success story is not just about medals; it’s about what can be achieved when a state truly invests in a sport. Let's Cheris some major Achievements: Manu Bhaker: Women's 10m air pistol - Bronze Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh: Mixed team 10m air pistol - Bronze Swapnil Kusale: Men's 50m rifle 3 positions - Bronze Team India: Men's Hockey - Bronze Neeraj Chopra: Men's Javelin Throw - Silver Aman Sehrawat: Men's Freestyle 57kg Wrestling - Bronze But it's not just about the podium finishes; it’s also about those who gave us unforgettable performances: Mirabai Chanu Vinesh Phogat PV Sindhu Lakshya Sen and many more... These athletes' heroic efforts, even when not rewarded with medals, will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Now, imagine the possibilities if each state in India adopted a similar approach: Punjab: Wrestling Kerala: Athletics Maharashtra: Kabaddi Northeast States: Archery and Football By dedicating resources, infrastructure, and focused training to specific sports, each state could become a global hub for excellence. This would not only boost the sport but also create a sense of pride and identity for the people. Such an approach could lead to a more diverse and formidable sports culture in India, ensuring that we shine in various arenas on the global stage. The success of Indian hockey is just the beginning—what we do next could define the future of sports in our country. Let’s envision a future where India is not just known for its cricket but is a global sports powerhouse across multiple disciplines. #IndianSports #SportsCulture #NurturingTalent #OdishaHockey #LeadershipInSports #Olympics #IncredibleIndia #StateSports #IndiaRising #thewayoflife

The Untapped Potential of Grassroots Sports in India India's tier 2, 3, and 4 towns are brimming with untapped talent waiting for the right opportunities to shine. Investing in grassroots sports isn’t just about nurturing future champions—it’s about creating a lasting impact on the country’s sporting ecosystem. By supporting grassroots initiatives, we empower young athletes to dream big and reach platforms they might not have thought possible. There are countless examples of athletes who’ve risen from small towns and made a name for themselves on the international stage: - Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic Gold medalist in Javelin, comes from Khandra, a small village in Haryana. - P.V. Sindhu, from Hyderabad, became one of the world’s top badminton players. - Dutee Chand, from a small village in Odisha, has become an international sprinting sensation. - Deepak Punia, the talented wrestler, hails from Chhara, a village in Haryana. - Mary Kom, the boxing legend, comes from the remote town of Manipur. These stories show that incredible talent is not limited to major cities. However, to unlock this potential, there is an urgent need for investment in infrastructure, coaching, and resources at the grassroots level. By doing so, we not only give these athletes a chance to shine but also uplift entire communities. The future of Indian sports lies in its grassroots, and with the right support, we can see many more success stories emerging from every corner of the country. #SupportGrassrootsSports #InvestInTalent #FutureChampions #IndianSports #SportForDevelopment

𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝟭.𝟰 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻! The current medal tally makes little sense given India's vast population. While there are many suggestions for improving the count, one approach India could consider is adopting a "𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭" model, similar to the approach taken by Odisha. 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲 Odisha’s involvement with Indian hockey began in 2018 when the state government stepped in as the official sponsor of both the men's and women's teams. Odisha has since built the world's largest hockey stadium in Rourkela and has organized international tournaments such as the Men's Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023. Recently, the state extended its sponsorship to both teams until 2036, providing support through infrastructure, finances, and a supportive environment. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 Just as Odisha has done with hockey, other Indian states could adopt a similar strategy by focusing on a specific sport and developing it with a long-term vision. For example, Haryana could focus on wrestling, Karnataka could support badminton, and Maharashtra could back swimming. Instead of spreading attention across many sports, states should fully commit to one or two sports over an extended period. It’s time for states to not only announce rewards for winning athletes but also to support the development of the sport in a meaningful way. #indiaatolympics #parisolympics #sports Greenvissage Business Consulting

🏅 India is working towards hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, with Ahmedabad as the main hub, and various sports planned in cities like Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Pune, and Mumbai. The aim being “a movement for the full country” 💰 The Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, opening in March 2025, will cover 20.39 acres and cost Rs 631.77 crore. 🏊 It will feature an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and arenas for wrestling, gymnastics, and table tennis. 🏏 Two major hubs are also under development: the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave near Motera, covering 355 acres with permanent venues like the Narendra Modi Stadium, aquatics and tennis centres, and temporary venues for various sports And the Karai Sports Hub, covering 143 acres, with a 35,000-seat stadium for athletics. 👷♂️ With thousands of workers on board daily both projects are set to be completed by 2028. 🏢 India, having submitted its bid to host the 2036 Olympics earlier, is working to strengthen its sports infrastructure with long-term benefits for the country with projects worth 6000 crores across various states. 💪 While India faces strong competition from bidders like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have significant financial resources, internal issues with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) need resolution. However, efforts are in place to address these challenges and strengthen India’s bid. 🤝 Regardless of the outcome of the 2036 bid, India remains committed to improving its sports infrastructure, which will benefit the nation in the years to come. #Olympics #Sports #Infrastructure #OlympicsIndia #Athletics #India #SportsHub #BigHit

In India, the growth of sports leagues has been nothing short of phenomenal, spanning from globally renowned events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) to leagues sprouting up in every nook and corner, including small cities and towns. The IPL stands as a beacon of success, revolutionizing cricket and captivating millions of fans with its high-octane matches and star-studded lineups. Its success has inspired the emergence of leagues in various sports, from kabaddi to football, and even niche sports like wrestling and badminton. Furthermore, the proliferation of leagues in small cities has democratized sports, providing local talent with platforms to shine and communities with opportunities for recreation and entertainment. These leagues have not only nurtured grassroots talent but also fostered a culture of sportsmanship and camaraderie, uniting people from diverse backgrounds under the banner of sports. Moreover, the economic impact of these leagues cannot be overstated, with increased investments, sponsorship deals, and job opportunities contributing to the growth and prosperity of these regions. From the IPL's glittering stadiums to the grassroots tournaments in small towns, sports leagues have become an integral part of India's cultural fabric, symbolizing the nation's passion for sports and its commitment to nurturing talent at all levels. #IPLLegacy #LocalTalent #CommunitySports #SportsRevolution #GrassrootsAthletics #SportsCulture #UnityThroughSports #SportsForAll #IndianSports #SportsScience

The Khelo India Scheme has identified 2,781 athletes (including para-athletes) across 21 sports to receive support for enhanced global performance. If you're in the business of high-performance sports, these athletes are your primary target audience. Just below this elite group lies a pool of approximately 40,000 advanced-level athletes—a significant market segment if your products or services cater to athletes preparing to reach the next level. Together, these groups form a clear and actionable data set for anyone aiming to support or grow in the high-performance sports ecosystem. If we assume Rs 7,00,000 per annum as expenditure ( only training and not travel) behind these athletes for high performance , the Indian high performance sports market size is Rs 3000 crore. #sports #sportsbiz #india

Patna: At 4pm on the dot, hundreds of girls and boys stream out of the dingy alleys of Patna’s poorest neighbourhoods, sporting jerseys with ‘Bihar’ emblazoned on them in red, blue, and neon. Some march on foot, others squeeze into rickshaws. A few from wealthier localities even roll up in bikes and cars. Their destination is the same — Kankarbagh’s Patliputra Sports Complex. It’s where the “world’s largest sports competition” is unfolding. Under the watchful eye of coaches, it’s all action. Wrestlers lock limbs on the mat. A boy twists mid-air, snapping his leg at a yellow ball in sepak takraw or foot volleyball. On the rugby field, bodies collide and shouts erupt from the sidelines. For many players, most aged 14 to 22, the stadium—and the competition as well—is the doorway to a better future. For the Nitish Kumar government, it’s a chance to rescript Bihar’s sporting story. The plan: spot talent, hone it, and win global medals. The target: Olympic athletes by 2032, medals by 2036. Just as Haryana built a medal machine with wrestling, and Jharkhand turned hockey into its stronghold, Bihar is chasing its own breakthrough. But it’s betting on a different approach. Instead of sticking to big-ticket sports like hockey, it’s also throwing its weight behind less-crowded fields like rugby and sepak takraw. My ground report from Bihar. #bihar #sports #Olympics

Myth :"Indian athletes lack the necessary infrastructure to compete globally." Truth: India has made tremendous strides in sports infrastructure and athlete support! 💪🏅 The Khelo India scheme, launched in 2018, has been a game changer—fueling the grassroots level with over 282 projects and $1431.25 Mn in investments! From world-class academies to multi-sport complexes, India is building a sporting ecosystem that nurtures young talent. 🌟 Let’s celebrate the rise of Indian athletes! What sport do you think will rise next? Comment below 👇 #SportsInIndia #KheloIndia #IndianAthletes #SportsInfrastructure #GrassrootsDevelopment #MythBusted #kreedon #kreedoncareers

India’s outstanding performance at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, with both #Olympians and #Para-Olympians excelling on the global stage, showcases the incredible growth of sports across the country. This rise of India as a sporting nation stems from a well-established system of sports clubs and state-backed initiatives nurturing talent from every corner of the country. From football to #cricket, #kabaddi to #athletics, each Indian state is playing a key role in producing world-class athletes. These clubs, working with state governments, empower young talent and bring out the best in India’s sporting community. #Karnataka – A Hub for Football and Cricket Karnataka’s passion for football shines through @BengaluruFC, a club that develops top talent and competes at the highest levels. On the cricket side, @RCBTweets symbolizes Bengaluru’s love for cricket, representing the city’s sportsmanship. #Goa – The Football Heartland @FCGoaOfficial continues to set benchmarks in the Indian Super League, reflecting Goa’s love for football. By focusing on grassroots programs, Goa ensures a steady flow of talent for the future. #OpenMaharashtra – The Sports Capital Maharashtra boasts sporting giants like @MumbaiIndians and @MumbaiCityFC, which dominate the national stage. These clubs have turned Maharashtra into a sports powerhouse, nurturing talent from across the state. @GujaratGiants also play a vital role in kabaddi. #Rajasthan – The Kabaddi Capital With clubs like @JaipurPanthers, Rajasthan has become a hub for kabaddi. The state’s strong support for the sport is fostering local talent, turning the region into a kabaddi powerhouse. #Punjab – Excellence in Football and Cricket @PunjabFC and @PunjabKingsIPL have helped Punjab excel in football and cricket, producing athletes who shine on both the national and international stage. #Northeast India – The Footballing Frontier The northeastern states’ passion for football is evident in clubs like @NEUtdFC, representing the region’s immense talent. States like Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam are producing top athletes, putting the region on the global map. India’s sporting future shines brightly, driven by each state’s dedication to fostering a rich sporting culture. #Olympics2024 #ParaOlympics2024 #IndianSports #BengaluruFC #MumbaiIndians #RCB #GoaFC #PunjabFC #JaipurPinkPanthers #GujaratGiants #NorthEastUnitedFC #SportsInIndia #ISL #Kabaddi #Cricket #IndiaAtOlympics #jarapp

🌟 India’s Athletic Potential: Time for a Transformation! 🌟 India, a land rich in talent, determination, and passion, has yet to fully unlock its potential on the global sports stage. Despite remarkable strides in cricket, badminton, and wrestling, many aspiring athletes still face challenges like: ✅ Limited access to world-class facilities. ✅ Lack of structured development programs. ✅ Insufficient financial and emotional support. 💡 Why It’s Time for Change: Athletes deserve a system that nurtures their talent from the grassroots to the professional level. By fostering collaboration between schools, academies, coaches, and parents, we can create an ecosystem where every aspiring sportsperson thrives. 🚀 Our Vision: To provide pathways for athletes to grow, succeed, and even make a sustainable career in sports. Through innovative tools, accessible training, and community support, we aim to bridge the gap and empower Indian athletes. Together, we can build a future where talent meets opportunity. Are you ready to be part of this transformation? 👇 Join the conversation! What changes do you think Indian sports need the most? #SportsDevelopment #AthleteGrowth #GrassrootsSports #IndianAthletes #SportsInIndia #FutureOfSports