Sports heroes have always been close to the hearts of millions of fans who support the game, whether it's mesmerizing audiences with their sixes, ruffling opponents with their thunderous serves, or shuttling their way to become world champions or bringing medals in Olympics or commonwealth games. But, despite hours of commitment and practice, do sporting heroes achieve the same level of success off the court and field? There are a lot of sporting champions from India and around the world who have tried their hands at entrepreneurship and replicated what they did in the field as well.
YUVRAJ SINGH
Almost every cricket fan in the country and even outside India knows about Yuvraj Singh, the man who hit six sixes in six balls. He outshined his career with many victories following a spectacular return following his tumour recovery. He continued to work even after retiring, resulting in a number of businesses. In just a few years, his company, YouWeCan, has had tremendous success. The initiative focuses on all aspects of cancer, as well as raising awareness about its signs and treatment options. It also aids in the education of cancer survivors' children. The organization has been in existence since 2009 and focuses on health, education, and sports. It is a non profit organization and has helped thousands of people fight cancer through spreading awareness and providing medical facilities to the same as well.
ANIL KUMBLE
Another cricketer who is admired by every fan is Anil Kumble. Anil Kumble’s success doesn't only in the cricket field but also in the entrepreneurship game. In 2010, he founded TENVIC Sports, a sports consulting and training organization aimed at partnering with schools to provide structured training at the grassroots level. According to reports, the company has partnered with around 30 schools in Bengaluru and other areas of the country, bringing in over Rs. 8 Crore in revenue.
ABHINAV BINDRA
Talking now, about our beloved Olympians who made the whole country proud with their medals is India’s first individual gold medallist Abhinav Bindra who apart from being a legendary Indian Shooter has a BBA Degree from the University of Colorado and has always been interested in business. "I'd like to see Indian sport expand, and I believe it is doable if we can invest in grassroots and put programmes and procedures to encourage people to participate in sports." Bindra's ideas and determination led to his many companies and institutions. The Abhinav Bindra Foundation, which was founded in 2009, provides professional coaches as well as all premium amenities. This foundation has even partnered with the country's sports ministry. Athletes' technical assistance in Indian sports and healthcare. They offer a variety of wellness devices, such as combination wellness devices, balancing trunk MF, and so on.
His business called ABTP abbreviated for Abhinav Bindra Targeting performance has now more than 5 centres in India including Delhi and Mohali and was established in the year 2009. The ART's goal is to help bring the best of 'Sports Science and Technology to India and make 'Global Best Practices' accessible to every Indian athlete and non-athlete so that they can grow and develop holistically under the technology. Athletes are more receptive to training and are less prone to get hurt thanks to cutting-edge technology, science, analytics, and sports medicine.
GAGAN NARANG
Another famous Indian shooter who is a recipient of the bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympics is Gagan Narang who focused solely on shooting for his business. In 2011, Narang established GNPF with the goal of making shooting more accessible to everyone. The organization selected 30 shooters for the ambitious "Project Leap" from 300 applicants in May. GNPF even received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar on August 29, 2019. He also operates the Gun for Glory Shooting Academy which is a world-class shooting academy dedicated to promoting the sport of shooting by identifying and developing new potential. The academy takes pride in offering all of the resources necessary to develop tomorrow's champions. Gagan Narang and Pawan Singh started this academy. The academy is now all over India with more than 15 centres.
BAICHUNG BHUTIA
One of the most famous footballers in India is our favorite Bhaichung Bhutia. The Sikkimese Sniper is a former captain of the Indian National Football Team. He has been a great ambassador for India and has received numerous awards. His company comprises his own football school, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), which he started on his own. Through in-house training and development programmes, the school provides a platform to cultivate the skill of young football fans, players, and coaches. It's also the largest and best-rated football academy in India. It was established in 2010.
Be it, Football, Cricket, Shooting or any other beloved sport of Indians for that matter Our sports stars have never failed to impress us on and off their fields with their Vision and financial knowledge by operating their own businesses and becoming reputed entrepreneurs for the country and inspiring everyone, especially the ambitious business students around the world.
By Kashik Sen
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