India’s sports culture is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond the traditional mindset of participation to a strong focus on winning. This shift mirrors the success of Indian professionals in the global business landscape, reinforcing the belief that Indian athletes, too, can achieve international excellence, said Vijay Amritraj, Indian tennis legend and Founder of the Vijay Amritraj Foundation.
Speaking at the CII Conference on Mystic South in a discussion with K Venugopal, Chairman of Kasturi & Sons Ltd, Amritraj stated that Indian sports have reached a turning point. “Gone are the days when merely taking part was enough; now, we strive to win,” he said. The change is evident across disciplines, as Indian sports culture evolves to embrace competitiveness and excellence.
He further illustrated this point by citing cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar. “No one asks Tendulkar what he did for a living—his legacy speaks for itself,” Amritraj remarked underscoring how elite Indian athletes are now recognized for their accomplishments rather than needing validation.
AN AMAZING JOURNEY
Reflecting on his own journey, he added, “Personally, I have lived in the US. for years, but my heart remains in India. I hold onto my Indian passport with pride.”
Venugopal highlighted the rapid commercial growth of Indian sports, which is now valued at $52 billion. He referred to a recent Deloitte study, which projects that the industry has the potential to expand at an annual rate of 14%, reaching $130 billion by 2030.
When asked what it would take for sports other than cricket to achieve similar commercial success, Amritraj credited cricket’s unparalleled promotion across multiple formats—Test cricket, IPL, domestic leagues like the Ranji Trophy, and state-level tournaments such as the Tamil Nadu Premier League. “Cricket has seamlessly integrated into Indian culture. In India, it is more than just a sport; it is a religion,” he noted.
Unwavering commitment
Amritraj also stressed that true sporting success demands unwavering commitment from athletes. “It requires greater dedication than studying for an exam or preparing for a job. The sacrifices—sleepless nights, intense training, and relentless discipline—are immense,” he explained.
Despite these efforts, only 1% of athletes make it to the top. However, Amritraj encouraged young sportspeople to embrace the challenge. “As the saying goes, ‘No risk, no gain.’ True champions view pressure as a privilege,” he said.
Amritraj lauded the state government for its support to sports. “Tamil Nadu, for instance, has been exceptionally proactive in promoting tennis. They are keen to bring back the Chennai Open, and I am actively working toward making that happen,” he said.
