Sports has been an important part in a kid’s life and for me, it was no different. I used to go play sports all the time when i was young, especially cricket and football. When other kids had dreams like wanting to be an Astronaut, Scientist, Police Officer, Etc. Unlike other kids, I had the dream of becoming a cricketer. I was an all-rounder but I preferred batting. My father also had the dream of becoming a cricketer but due to family pressure, he was not able to pursue his dreams and had to focus on his studies. Because of this, he made sure that I had every opportunity i needed to succeed. He used to call me “Little Sehwag” because my batting stroke and playing style was very similar to him. He enrolled me into an academy along with my elder brother. In my starting years in the academy, I thrived. I was playing very well and impressing a lot of coaches. I was mainly appreciated for my fast bowling. My teammates used to call me “DJ Bravo” because I used to celebrate like him when taking a wicket. I also participated in the state u16 tournament which was held in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Just before the national trials, during one of the fielding practice session, I injured my right thumb. My father took me to the hospital the next morning. The doctor told me it was a thumb fracture. I was not able to play for the next 2 months. I wasn’t even able to write. In School, I had ask my friends to help me in writing notes during the classes. When I returned to the field after 2 months, my bowling quality which was my specialty had reduced significantly. There wasn’t enough pace on the ball. To produce the pace necessary, my bowling action changed and my elbows started to bend while releasing the ball which resulted in a jerk action which is not allowed. All the coaches started to question my bowling and I was removed from the bowling lineup. I tried to fix it but I wasn’t able to fix it. I felt down from then onwards and I felt burned out. I wanted to miss practice session. My passion for the game which I felt before the thumb fracture withered away. That is when I started playing football in my colony and I started to get intrigued by the game. I started watching football matches which increased my interest even more. I left the cricket academy along with my brother who chose to pursue his studies. My father wanted me to pursue cricket as a career but I explained it to him what I was feeling and after a lot of convincing, he finally understood. I played some school level football tournament with the school team. I was easily selected on the school team as even though I just started football, I was already good at it. After 10th boards I joined a football academy (BBFS) which was walking distance to my home to check how the professional players train. I quickly climbed through the ranks and became captain of the team. At just 16, I was transferred to the U-18 squad. After a year, I decided that I wanted to pursue football as a career and become a professional. I joined a residential academy located in Mohali, Punjab. I trained with the professional there. But there I realized that Football is a very difficult sport to excel at. A person need to great physical strength and endurance to play the game. The competition was immense but I worked morning and evening to earn a spot on the team. After a year, I earned the spot on the squad. After spending 2 years at the academy, I realized that this is not a stable career as an injury can hamper my career at any time and for that search of a backup career, I am pursuing Digital Marketing.
Sports as a Business In India
India’s Sports Industry is currently valued at over 15000 crore rupees which is equal to $1.8 billion and growing at double the rate . The money is mainly flowing in :
1. Broadcasting- Many Platforms like Star Sports ,Jio Cinema and Sony Sports dominate with OTT companies also entering this area .
2.Sponsorships- From Data companies to Beverage companies , many brands are investing in sports for reach and engagement.
3.Startups- Sports Tech Startups are coming in performance analysis , fantasy sports , Etc.
4.Fantasy Sports & Gaming- With companies like My11circle , Dream11, & MPL , fantasy sports has become a more than $3 billion industry . It peaks during tournaments like IPL & FIFA World Cup.
This industry is emerging very quickly. It has become more diverse , money flowing , more digital than ever before .
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