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In India - it is just not possible to make a living out of athletics. It is largely true and partly just a perception problem. The only sport where you can make

by gnufied 14y ago

In India - it is just not possible to make a living out of athletics. It is largely true and partly just a perception problem. The only sport where you can make a comfortable living is basically Cricket and thats about it. I know few of my friends who were state/national level table tennis and Badminton players but decided to let that thing go and opted for engineering degree because of pressure from parents etc. Heck, I along with my friend are running a startup and one of the things my friend's dad asked is - "who will marry their daughter to you?". And this was for a brilliant embedded programmer who quit his regular to do this thing. I can't imagine hardship (and hilarity) involved in finding prospective bride/groom for someone who "runs" for living. This thing is a no go clearly in Indian society.

eoin_murphy 14y ago
It seems to me as an outsider as well that any kind of physical activity is generally looked down. Not absolutely but more in a 'if you don't have to, why would you' way. Plus, it's so hot most of the time that any serious aerobic activity is difficult to maintain.
- anu_gupta 14y ago
  Jamaica is also quite hot. Their athletes don't seem to mind so much.
- gnufied 14y ago
  It is not about climate or heat. More : http://blogs.wsj.com/india-chief-mentor/2010/02/16/indian-entrepreneurs-need-a-hug-google%E2%80%99s-gandhi/ http://blogs.wsj.com/india-chief-mentor/2010/02/16/indian-en... I believe deep down Indians being bad in athletics is similar to being a entrepreneur is hard in India. The reason is - individual freedom or individual decision making has never been our strong point. So, the one who walks off the beaten path is always unfairly judged by the society. Sure, those who succeed on this path are worshipped like gods here, but when you are starting small, you are up against huge odds. And it starts from your family. It is hard work.

by gnufied 14y ago

eoin_murphy 14y ago

It seems to me as an outsider as well that any kind of physical activity is generally looked down. Not absolutely but more in a 'if you don't have to, why would you' way. Plus, it's so hot most of the time that any serious aerobic activity is difficult to maintain.

anu_gupta 14y ago
Jamaica is also quite hot. Their athletes don't seem to mind so much.
gnufied 14y ago
It is not about climate or heat. More : http://blogs.wsj.com/india-chief-mentor/2010/02/16/indian-entrepreneurs-need-a-hug-google%E2%80%99s-gandhi/ http://blogs.wsj.com/india-chief-mentor/2010/02/16/indian-en... I believe deep down Indians being bad in athletics is similar to being a entrepreneur is hard in India. The reason is - individual freedom or individual decision making has never been our strong point. So, the one who walks off the beaten path is always unfairly judged by the society. Sure, those who succeed on this path are worshipped like gods here, but when you are starting small, you are up against huge odds. And it starts from your family. It is hard work.