India has got talent, she just needs to explore. The future of Indian Sports depends on the youth. Therefore, it is a must to identify young talents and develop them in a long term. For this, sports have to be taught at the grass root level.
Talents in India are identified at the age of 11-14. Whereas in other countries talents are identified as early as when the kids are 5-6 years old. This difference in identification of talent makes a huge difference in the international level, as it gives a competitive edge to such sportspersons. For example, at the age of 11-14 years football players in Brazil have professional contracts.
We at Professional Sports Management have conceptualized a Development model and Talent Identification model which befits any sport in India.
The directors of Professional Sports management suggests the use of 'events' to attract, engage and sustain young people in sport and physical activity can help to achieve success. They can provide the opportunities and links to existing sports clubs and activities which ordinarily may seem too daunting and inaccessible to young people who are unfamiliar with their structures and set up. Events also provide the opportunities for young people to showcase the skills and talents they have learnt from activity sessions whilst competing against or performing in front of their peers. Increasing participation, club membership, club affiliation, coaching roles and volunteering roles together with securing funding, promoting equity and ensuring strong relationships with various sporting institutions are the key outcomes of this programme along with Talent Development.