The Love-Hate Relationship: Haryana, Sports, Higher Education, and Never-Ending Unemployment
Sajal Mishra
Programme Lead at Medha | Leading Higher Education Initiatives in Haryana | IIT Guwahati
We often encounter individuals who make us realize just how fortunate we are to have a decent job that sustains us. Pursuing a career in sports in India has never been an easy decision for the youth, especially with all the career uncertainties that come with it. But what's even worse is that, despite competing at the highest levels, many athletes don’t receive the support and opportunities they deserve from the government.
During my recent travels, I had the privilege of meeting a national-level kabaddi player who represented his university and the state of Haryana in the Khelo India Games and Pro Leagues, playing alongside modern Indian legends like Pardeep Narwal. However, in 2020, after undergoing ligament treatment, he was forced to quit kabaddi. While many athletes at the national level are often offered government jobs, our cab driver was unfortunate not to receive such an opportunity. As a result, he had to move to Panchkula and take up cab driving to earn a living.
Despite producing the largest number of Olympic medalists in India, Haryana receives minimal central funding to support sports and athletes. Additionally, the scope of employment is often limited to only those who achieve glory, leaving many others directionless and unemployed despite having a university degree and national-level certification in sports. These young athletes often lack the skills needed to enter different or alternative workplaces.
One of the ways out is that the government intervenes by providing counselling services and supporting athletes in pursuing further education, perhaps in sports management or physical education, to secure employment in fields that align with their interests and where they can find fulfilment.
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What suggestions do you have for the youth in sports and at our State universities and colleges, who face an uncertain future?
Some References:
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6 个月Insightful!