In India, the perennial debate of academics versus sports has often leaned heavily in favour of the former. Traditionally, Indian parents have been preoccupied with ensuring their children excel in academics, setting them up for a "safe and secure" career path. But as the winds of change sweep through Indian society, an important question arises: are we willing to support our children in pursuing sports as passionately as we push them toward academics?
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A Glimpse into Indian Parenting and Sports
Recently, I had the chance to closely observe an All Assam Junior Tennis tournament organised by one of India’s leading PSUs. Watching young athletes passionately engage in their matches was inspiring. The raw talent was palpable, and their dedication was evident. I was also struck by the unwavering dedication of the parents and guardians. Like the saying goes, "blood, sweat, and tears"- they were willing to go the extra mile (literally!) to support their young champions. Some had travelled far and wide, leaving no stone unturned, to be there for their wards. And, as the phrase goes, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" - they were prepared to camp out for almost a week, come rain or shine, if their child made it to the final stages.
As I pondered on the travel and lodging expenses, I couldn't help but think, 'where there's a will, there's a way.' The level of commitment on display was truly 'the icing on the cake,' a testament to the power of discipline and support. It was clear that for these families, 'the journey was the destination' - every sacrifice was worth it for the sake of their child's passion.
Yet, behind the scenes, many parents voiced concerns about the challenges of nurturing their children's sports dreams. In informal conversations, parents expressed difficulty managing time to take their children to tournaments—crucial for exposure and growth. For working parents, taking a week off to accompany their child to a competition in another city can feel daunting. With today’s demanding work schedules, balancing such commitments is no easy task.
This struggle reflects a broader cultural narrative. While parents may support their child's sports pursuits in the early years, there's often an unspoken expiration date. Around age 14, the focus shifts to academics—boards, competitive exams, and college admissions—sidelining any dreams of a sports career.
In Assam, there's a phrase: Line পাই যাব, meaning a child will secure a "path" in life, usually through medicine, engineering (the usual suspects!), or another "respectable" career. This mindset, while rooted in good intentions, often stifles alternate aspirations, particularly those in sports.
The Beam Balance of Academics and Sports
A common argument among parents is that sports require inherent talent to succeed. But doesn’t academic excellence require talent too? Solving complex physics problems or mastering stoichiometry is as much a skill as delivering a perfect tennis forehand or cricket cover drive.
Rahul Dravid, one of India’s cricketing legends, eloquently said, “Talent is not just the skill we see on the field. It’s the courage, temperament, dedication, and discipline that a youngster must build to create a niche in their sphere.” This holds true across all fields—sports, academics, or otherwise.
Parents often conflate talent with visible results. A child who excels in sports or academics isn’t merely born with talent; their success reflects years of effort, guidance, and support. So why, then, do we disproportionately value academic achievements over sporting milestones?
The Challenges of Supporting Sports
The logistical and emotional demands of supporting a budding athlete are immense. Training, travel, equipment, and coaching require not just financial resources but also time and effort. For parents with demanding jobs and tight schedules, this can feel like an uphill battle.
Yet, the rewards of investing in a child’s sporting dreams are manifold. The lessons learned—teamwork, resilience, perseverance—are invaluable life skills. Moreover, with India increasingly recognising and rewarding sports talent, from IPL contracts to Olympic medals, the notion that sports can’t provide a secure career is slowly being debunked.
Breaking the Stereotype
In a society that celebrates academic toppers, stories of parents who defy norms to support their child’s sporting dreams stand out. Take PV Sindhu’s parents, for example, who moved heaven and earth to nurture her badminton career. Or Sachin Tendulkar’s elder brother, Ajit, who recognized Sachin’s potential and ensured he got the best training possible. Recently, the remarkable story of 13-year old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has sent shockwaves across the sports fraternity, shattering traditional mindsets and redefining the notion of 'child prodigy' in India. His multi-million-dollar contract with the Rajasthan Royals at the recent IPL auction has not only caught everyone's attention but has also potentially reconceptualised what is ‘talent’. Equally inspiring is the focal role played by Vaibhav's father, whose dedication and support have been widely featured in leading newspapers, highlighting the importance of parental guidance in nurturing young sporting talent. These are just some of the numerous examples of how parental support can help children soar to unimaginable heights.
Similarly, in academics, we recognize the behind-the-scenes support of parents, from late-night study sessions to offering moral support during exams. The true mark of good parenting lies in nurturing each child's unique potential, not in imposing a single path. As Jess Lair once said, "Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded."
Shifting Mindsets
It’s high time we Indian parents stopped behaving like a seesaw, perpetually swinging between academics and sports! For the sake of our kids' sanity, can we please stop the 'pommel horse pendulum' and find a balance between books and bats, grades and goals?
Instead of debating which is better, let’s focus on nurturing our children’s interests and talents. Like a gardener tending to plants, our role is to provide the right environment, care, and support. Whether they grow into tall trees or bloom as vibrant flowers is beyond our control. What matters is helping them flourish.
For parents contemplating how to support their child’s aspirations, whether in sports or academics, here are a few practical tips:
1. Identify Strengths Early: Observe your child’s natural inclinations. Are they drawn to the cricket pitch, the piano, or solving math puzzles?
2. Encourage Exploration: Let your child try various activities. Exposure to different fields can help them discover their true passion.
3. Create a Supportive Environment: Whether it’s enrolling in training programs or setting aside study time, your involvement makes all the difference.
4. Strike a Balance: Encourage your child to pursue academics alongside sports. One doesn’t have to come at the cost of the other.
5. Be Their Cheerleader: Celebrate small victories, whether it’s acing a test or scoring a goal. Your encouragement fuels their confidence.
A Future of Balanced Dreams
India is evolving, and so must we as parents. Stories of young athletes and entrepreneurs redefining success show that diverse paths lead to fulfilling lives. Our role isn't to dictate the path, but to walk alongside our children, offering support and guidance.
In doing so, we’ll create a society that values diverse talents and raises a generation of confident, fulfilled individuals ready to chase their dreams—whether in a laboratory, on a stage, or on a sports field. As parents, let’s replace the beam balance with open arms and minds. Let’s nurture, support, and allow our children to unfold into the best versions of themselves.
(All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
