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The 43-year-old iterated that promise alone is not enough and added that a system that supports long-term growth is of essence.
Sharath Kamal. (X)
Seasoned Indian TT player Sharath Kamal opined that a well-defined system for the sport would help the nation to help the transition of young talents to senior professionals.
The 43-year-old iterated that promise alone is not enough and added that a system that supports long-term growth is of essence to help young talent make a successful leap to the senior level despite promising results.
“We can’t rely on one-off stars, we need a structure that consistently produces champions,” Sharath said.
“There’s a lot of young talent, but the key issue lies in the transition. Unless we put the right systems in place, we won’t see junior champions turn into senior champions,” he continued.
India secured three bronze medals at the 2024 Asian Championships, marking a historic first in women’s doubles with Ayhika and Sutirtha Mukherjee, and achieving a maiden bronze in the women’s team event.
At the Paris Olympics, the women’s team reached the quarterfinals for the first time, surprising world No. 4 Romania in the round of 16. In singles, both Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula made it to the last 16.
“The real challenge is consistency. One medal must become two, and that must grow into five or six,” Sharath said.
A systematic pipeline, starting with kids as young as 11, would help in supplying a consistent lie of talent to the to level of the sport in India.
“Looking at 2036, we must start with kids who are 11 or 12 now. That’s how deep the planning has to go,” he added.
“We’re all trying in that direction. I hope we’ll see a systematic change soon.”
Sharath, the Vice Chairman of the Indian Olympic Association’s Athletes Commission, lauded the National Sports Bill which focuses on a athlete-first framework and also touched up on anti-doping provisions.
“Having athletes participate in policymaking alongside executive board members marks a new phase for Indian sport. It ensures that decisions are grounded in on-ground realities,” the paddler said.
“This time, it won’t just be athletes who are penalised, but also coaches and others involved. Often, the athlete is the one caught, while others continue unchecked. That will now change.”
(With Inputs From PTI)
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