India Poised to Become a ‘Sports Forward Nation’ by 2036: Virat Kohli

Bengaluru: Cricketing legend Virat Kohli has laid out a bold vision for India’s sporting future, asserting that the country is on track to become a ‘Sports Forward Nation’ by 2036. Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, powered by Leaders, Kohli underscored the need for a collective effort beyond infrastructure and financial backing to achieve this transformation.

“We are working towards India becoming a Sports Forward Nation by 2036. We have the vision, and the groundwork is happening today. But it’s a collective responsibility. Not just infrastructure, not just financial backers, not just athletes, but also those willing to educate themselves about the sport,” Kohli remarked.

Sports Education Over Fanaticism

Kohli emphasized the importance of prioritizing sports education over mere celebration and fandom. “We don’t need just celebration and fanaticism; we need the education of the sport. Once the education around sport takes place, the experience will be ten times what it is today. That will be a big step towards India becoming a Sports Forward Nation,” he elaborated.

Women Athletes Driving Change

Kohli also lauded women athletes as key drivers behind the transformation of women’s sports in India. He attributed their relentless dedication to the rise in commercial investments, increased funding, and the establishment of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

“Women athletes were their own catalysts, driving attention to themselves, which led to commercial growth, increased funding, and ultimately, the creation of the WPL,” he stated. He stressed that looking solely at men for the improvement of sports is a “limited perspective” and that a collective approach is essential.

“Sports culture includes everyone, and women’s sport is a massive part of it,” Kohli added.

Growing Momentum in Women’s Sports

Highlighting the success of women athletes in various disciplines such as tennis, badminton, wrestling, and boxing, Kohli credited them for accelerating financial investments and structural advancements in women’s sports.

“We have so much data in women’s sports, not just cricket but also in other disciplines. We are creating year-round engagement in tennis, badminton, wrestling, boxing. It’s definitely heading in the right direction, but it needs more backing, more funding, and continued infrastructure development,” he emphasized.

A Collective Sporting Future

The RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit brought together eminent personalities from the sporting fraternity to discuss key aspects of sports innovation, infrastructure, and policy frameworks needed to elevate India’s sporting landscape. A major theme of the discussions was the unprecedented growth of women’s sports and the steps required to sustain this momentum.

With influential sporting icons like Kohli advocating for a more inclusive and progressive sporting ecosystem, India’s journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse is gaining strong momentum.