More Than Medals: The Relentless Journey of Akshay Mahara Booshanam
By the time Akshay Mahara Booshanam was ten, his idea of fun didn’t quite match what most other kids his age were doing. While others played cricket in the lanes of Delhi, Akshay preferred throwing punches into the air, practicing kicks with invisible opponents, and mimicking Bruce Lee moves with serious intent. Back then, no one around him saw karate as anything more than a hobby. Certainly not a career. But even as a child, Akshay knew he felt something deeper. There was a certain fire that only lit up when he was in motion, fists clenched, breath sharp, mind still. That fire never went out Now 24, Akshay is a name etched into Indian karate history, not because he comes from privilege or a polished sports ecosystem, but because he refused to stop fighting, quite literally and figuratively. He’s India’s top-ranked karate athlete in the -84kg category and has held that spot since 2018. He’s a Commonwealth gold medalist, a Senior National Champion, and a regular feature in international championships across Asia and beyond. In a sport often pushed to the margins in India, Akshay has carved his place through sheer resilience. The Making of a Karateka Akshay’s childhood was shaped by the quiet rhythm of Delhi-city life school at St. Columba’s, evenings filled with energy, and a growing sense of discipline that came from the dojo. He joined Bharat Sharma’s Karate Academy, and suddenly, things began to click. Karate wasn’t just a sport anymore. It was a mirror. A test. A place where he could channel his hunger, his need to excel, his desire to matter. “It made me feel alive,” he once said in an interview, a simple sentence that somehow captures everything he stands for. By the time he was in college, earning a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications and later a Master’s in Global Business Operations from SRCC, Akshay had already amassed medals across state, national, and international stages. Competitions weren’t occasional anymore. They were constant. His schedule danced between training sessions and tournaments, books and flights, lectures and weigh-ins. It wasn’t easy. But then again, nothing worth doing ever is. The Summer of Silver and Gold If 2025 has proven anything, it’s that Akshay is in the form of his life. This June, he travelled to Bangkok to compete at the Thailand Open Karate Championship, held from June 26th to 29th. With athletes from 16 countries, the competition was fierce, but so was Akshay. He walked away with two silver medals: one in the individual -84kg category, and one in the team event. Barely catching his breath, he moved on to the 9th South Asian Karate Championship, where he turned silver into gold twice. Akshay clinched the individual -84kg title as well as the team kumite gold, marking his third South Asian title and a third individual gold at the championship. It wasn’t just a medal haul. It was a statement: he’s not slowing down. More Than Just Numbers Today, Akshay’s career medal count stands at over 90. That includes eight national golds, three South Asian titles, two Commonwealth golds, and now, these fresh silver and gold medals from Thailand and South Asia. This year alone, he added a Senior National gold to the collection affirming what many in the karate circuit already knew: he’s the best India has right now. But numbers never tell the full story. Behind every podium finish is a grind, training sessions that start before sunrise, the sting of narrow losses, the effort it takes to stay fit, focused, and fighting. And the mental strength required to keep going in a sport where the spotlight rarely lands. Walking the Lonely Road Unlike cricket or badminton, karate doesn’t enjoy prime-time billing in India. The infrastructure is patchy, sponsorships rare, and media coverage sparse. Athletes like Akshay operate in the shadows, training, traveling, competing, often without the financial or emotional safety net many of their peers in other sports enjoy. And yet, there he is showing up, still chasing gold, still believing that karate in India is on the cusp of something big. Because for Akshay, this journey isn’t just about his own medals. It’s about creating space. About leaving behind something larger than himself. The Sportz Planet Desk
World Boxing applauds ‘Athlete First’ approach, extends Ajay Singh-led Interim Committee’s term till August 31
Acknowledging the structured effort undertaken by the Interim Committee to restore transparency and stability in the functioning of the Boxing Federation of India, World Boxing has extended the term of the Committee headed by Ajay Singh till August 31, 2025. World Boxing had appointed an Interim Committee in April this year to run day-to-day affairs. The committee since had ensured structured domestic nationals and followed by international tournaments across all age categories (U15,U17 and Elite) with complete focus on athletes first approach in their initially term of 90 days and ensure Indian Boxing regains it’s lost glory. In a letter address to Singh, World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst congratulated the Interim Committee for their ‘Athletes First’ approach that has ensured continuous participation of Indian boxers in major international events and successfully making podium finishes. “We are pleased to observe that the Interim Committee has been functioning effectively and has made significant strides in restoring transparency and stability within the national boxing administration. World Boxing continues to monitor developments in Indian boxing closely and is encouraged by the continued participation of Indian athletes in international competitions, as well as their consistent success on the podium. These achievements are a reflection of the structured and positive efforts being undertaken under your leadership,” Vorst said in his letter to Interim Committee Chairman. “Given the upcoming domestic and continental events, the Interim Committee is hereby requested to continue managing the affairs of the BFI to ensure seamless participation of Indian athletes at all levels,” he further added in his letter. Indian boxers clinched a total of 11 medals, including three gold and five silver in the recently concluded World Boxing Cup — Astana, Kazakhstan 2025. They had also bagged six medals in the first leg in Brazil and came up with impressive showing in Thailand International Open as well. Vorst’s letter also mentioned his recent interaction with the Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, who also appreciated the efforts being undertaken by the Interim Committee. The Sportz Planet Desk
Pro Panja League Season 2 to be held in Gwalior
The Pro Panja League, the World’s premier ArmWrestling competition, is all set to return for its highly anticipated Season 2, starting August 5 in the vibrant city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Following the phenomenal success of Season 1, which was broadcast on the Sony Sports Network, the league is now gearing up to take things to the next level. Season 2 will once again feature top Indian ArmWrestlers who will add further intensity to the already electric competition. Fans can expect returning athletes from Season 1 and exciting new talent looking to make their mark on the Panja table. Gwalior is known to have a massive fanbase for ArmWrestling as witnessed in 2022 when Pro Panja League hosted Mega Matches at the Gwalior Fort ahead of the inaugural season of the league. Announcing the league’s return to Gwalior, Pro Panja League co-founder Parvinn Dabass said, “There couldn’t have been a better place for Season 2 than Gwalior. The people here have always given a warm welcome to us and we had an amazing time when we hosted the mega matches a few years ago. The league has grown a lot since then and we can’t wait to come back to Gwalior and witness the exciting ArmWrestling action.” Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s ArmWrestling Federation of India, Vice President of the Asian ArmWrestling Federation and the co-founder of the league added, “The response from fans, athletes, and media exceeded all expectations at season 1 and hence we are coming back at an even larger scale for the second season. We are looking forward to touchdown at Gwalior and welcome everyone for what is going to be our biggest-ever event so far. We look forward to seeing the fans at the venue in huge numbers as the sport grows exponentially in India.” The Pro Panja League will again be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network. About Pro Panja League The Pro Panja League is a professional arm-wrestling tournament in India, founded by Swen Entertainment. The league hosted its first-ever arm-wrestling tournament in India on 29th February 2020 at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi. The Sportz Planet Desk
CyberPowerPC India launches special ‘Esports Masterclass’ series to guide gamers and parents through the world of esports
In a first-of-its-kind effort to build awareness around gaming and esports in India, CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming PCs, has unveiled an ‘Esports Masterclass’ series, which will be taking place at ApeCity, Navi Mumbai. The initiative aims to help both gamers and their parents understand the structure, opportunities, and challenges of India’s growing esports and video gaming industry. The series aims to spark open dialogue between families and the gaming industry, offering insights into the discipline, dedication, and long-term potential of esports. The first masterclass of the series featured Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer of CyberPowerPC India, alongside Jai Shah and Yash Bhanushali, co-founders of esports organization Orangutan and ApeCity. Together, they helped 30+ parents and gamers understand the current state of India’s esports ecosystem, the career opportunities it offers, and the importance of balancing academics with competitive ambitions. They also addressed common misconceptions and emphasised how parental support can play a crucial role in a gamer’s journey. The second masterclass, titled ‘The Journey of Becoming an Esports Athlete’, spotlighted two of India’s top players, Arman (Aaru) and Ankit Shukla (Akop). They shared personal stories from their early days in the industry, their daily routines, the pressure of competition, and their experiences dealing with losses, public expectations, burnout, and social media scrutiny. Their candid advice gave young players a realistic perspective on what it truly takes to thrive in esports. This awareness push comes at a time when esports is gaining unprecedented recognition and entering the mainstream sporting landscape in the nation. Since being officially recognised as a multi-sport event by the Government of India in December 2022, esports has featured in this year’s Khelo India Youth Games, is a medal sport at the Asian Youth Games 2025, and will also be part of the upcoming Asian Games. The Olympic Esports Games, set to take place in Riyadh in 2027, further cements its global standing. At the state level, governments in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar, among others, are actively hosting official esports tournaments. Indian athletes will also represent the country at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh this year, which features a total prize pool of $70 million (approximately INR 598 crore). Through its ‘Esports Masterclass’ series, CyberPowerPC India aims to bridge the knowledge gap between parents and gamers by encouraging honest conversations, breaking common myths, and nurturing a more supportive environment for India’s next generation of esports athletes. Vishal Parekh, COO, CyberPowerPC India, said, “Gaming and esports in India have evolved into a thriving ecosystem offering diverse career opportunities across content creation, game development, broadcasting, esports management, and of course, professional play.. With this masterclass series, our goal is to involve both gamers and their families in the journey. We want parents to understand how structured and disciplined the industry has become, and at the same time, help gamers learn what it truly takes to grow into successful esports athletes. When both sides learn together, we can create stronger support systems for future champions.” According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, total participation in esports tournaments in India crossed the 2 million mark in 2024 and is expected to reach 2.8 million in 2025. The prize pool across major tournaments is also projected to grow from INR 187 million in 2024 to INR 250 million in 2025, reflecting the rising scale and competitiveness of the industry. CyberPowerPC India, which recently celebrated its first anniversary in the country, has consistently contributed to the ecosystem not just by offering powerful gaming PCs but by creating access and driving grassroots engagement. From giving away gaming PCs worth lakhs to powering ApeCity with high-performance rigs, the brand has shown a strong commitment to building a pipeline of talent. This ensures that world-class gaming infrastructure is accessible at the grassroots level, allowing aspiring players to train and grow in the right environment. The Esports Masterclass series is just the beginning of CyberPowerPC’s larger effort to drive understanding and acceptance of esports and PC gaming as a serious, structured, and sustainable career path, while also contributing to the overall development of the industry. The masterclass series will take place every Sunday at ApeCity, featuring different voices from across the esports ecosystem to help raise awareness, educate families, and advocate for the industry. Those interested in attending can follow CyberPowerPC India’s social media channels for registration details and updates –https://www.instagram.com/cyberpowerpc.in?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== About CyberPowerPC:Founded in 1998, CyberPowerPC is a global leader in custom gaming computers, delivering high-performance systems to gamers and tech enthusiasts worldwide. Known for innovation, reliability, and top-notch customer service, CyberPowerPC partners with leading component manufacturers to ensure cutting-edge performance and build quality. Committed to excellence, CyberPowerPC continues to set benchmarks in the custom PC industry, celebrating its robust lineup of desktops, laptops, and gaming accessories. The brand’s offerings are available at nearly every major retailer in the US & Canada, like Costco, Walmart, Staples, Fingerhut, Rakuten and more. The Sportz Planet Desk
Former PKL Champion Akash Shinde Ready to Chase Glory with Bengaluru Bulls
Growing up in the small town of Nashik, Akash Shinde had big dreams but no clear path to follow. No one from his district had ever made it to national-level kabaddi before him. But now, the Pro Kabaddi League season 10 champion, who was bought by Bengaluru Bulls for INR 53.10 lakh during the PKL 12 Player Auction, is ready to lead a young team towards glory. “No one in my family played kabaddi. It was more popular in my village, but no one from my district, Nashik, had played at the national level before. That made it a real challenge. Still, I trusted my process and kept working hard,” says Shinde, remembering those early days when success seemed far away. The journey wasn’t easy. Every step forward meant figuring things out on his own. “Step by step, I kept finding out what improvements should be made in the game and how to develop. I kept working on that and kept moving forward,” he explains. Now, looking at his new teammates at Bengaluru Bulls, Shinde sees the same hunger he once had, comparing it to another Bengaluru-based sports team that ended a long trophy drought — the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The journey wasn’t easy. Every step forward meant figuring things out on his own. “Step by step, I kept finding out what improvements should be made in the game and how to develop. I kept working on that and kept moving forward,” he explains. Now, looking at his new teammates at Bengaluru Bulls, Shinde sees the same hunger he once had, comparing it to another Bengaluru-based sports team that ended a long trophy drought — the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “I am feeling very good. It’s a new and young team. The way RCB won with a young team, we will win the PKL too. There is a lot of excitement. The young boys have a clear mindset that they just have to prove themselves,” he added. The need to prove yourself – Shinde knows it well. He felt it during his heartbreaking loss with Puneri Paltan in Season 9, when they lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers by just 2-3 points. But that pain made the victory sweeter in PKL 10, while also captaining his team in the absence of the injured skipper Aslam Inamdar. “When I was in Puneri Paltan, we lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers by 2-3 points in season 9. We put in a lot of hard work in the next season and became the champions,” he recalls. “So, obviously, those kinds of things provide you with experience and help you maintain composure during crunch situations.” That championship win changed everything. It proved that all the hard work was worth it. Now, as he watches his young Bulls teammates, Shinde sees that same determination in their eyes. And behind every successful player is a coach who believes in them. For Shinde, that’s BC Ramesh, with whom he won the PKL back in the landmark 10th season. “He is strict on the ground only. He treats all of us like his kids, like family members,” Shinde says warmly. Having someone who cares about you like family makes all the difference in a tough sport. Shinde’s success story means something bigger than personal glory. He opened doors for others from his region. “We have some very good players in Maharashtra. The skill level is very high and that’s the reason why we get some of the finest players from the state. The competition is very tough,” he concluded with pride. The Sportz Planet Desk
MI NEW YORK – CHAMPIONS OF MLC 2025!
Mumbai Indians Lift Their Second MLC Trophy in Just Three Years, Clinch 13th Global Title – Mumbai Indians have added yet another glittering jewel to their crown, with MI New York winning the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title, their second championship in just three seasons. This triumph marks Mumbai Indians’ 13th major title globally — and their third trophy in 2025 alone, following MI Cape Town’s SA20 win and the Mumbai Indians Women’s triumph in the WPL earlier this year. MI New York delivered a commanding campaign, capped by a powerful performance in the final, reaffirming their dominance in Major League Cricket and further elevating Mumbai Indians’ stature as the most successful global T20 franchise group. In a remarkable show of consistency and depth, MI teams competed across five leagues on three continents, reaching the playoffs in all five, and emerging as champions in three, across both men’s and women’s competitions. Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, ““What a truly special moment for the Mumbai Indians family! MI New York lifting their second MLC trophy in three years is not just a win on the field — it is a celebration of passion, belief, and teamwork. From the Women’s Premier League in India to championship victories in South Africa and now the USA, MI’s incredible journey across continents this year is a powerful reminder of how sport can build bridges and spread joy around the world. We are deeply grateful to all our fans — the MI Paltan — who have always stood by us and remain at the heart of our journey. My congratulations to every player, coach, supporter, and every member of our global MI family!” Mr. Akash M. Ambani, said, “This is a humbling and proud moment for all of us at Mumbai Indians. MI New York lifting their second MLC title — as part of a title hat-trick this year across India, South Africa, and the USA — is deeply fulfilling. Yes, it’s about winning trophies, but equally, it’s about building a global cricketing platform that gives talent the opportunity to shine and fans a reason to dream. This success reflects years of belief, culture, and commitment across our teams. Congratulations to every team member at MI New York who made this moment possible.” With a total of 13 championship titles, Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in global T20 leagues — including 5 IPL titles, 2 Women’s Premier League titles, 2 Major League Cricket titles, 2 Champions League T20 titles, and one each in the ILT20 (MI Emirates, 2024) and SA20 (MI Cape Town, 2025). With five teams across three continents and four countries, the Mumbai Indians continue to dominate the global T20 landscape, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep, enduring bond with fans around the world. The Sportz Planet Desk
Landmark Milestone in Indian Cycling
In a moment destined to be etched in the annals of Indian sporting history, the Government of Maharashtra and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) have forged a transformative partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3rd July 2025. This historic accord heralds the dawn of a new era for cycling in India, marking a pivotal turning point in the nation’s pursuit of global sporting excellence. The MoU, formalised under the aegis of the Pune District Administration and the CFI, paves the way for the inaugural Pune Grand Challenge 2026—an international cycling race of unparalleled grandeur, poised to redefine the landscape of the sport in India. The Pune Grand Challenge 2026, a Stage 2.2 event, will span four stages and cover an extraordinary distance of approximately 1,500 kilometres. With an unprecedented prize purse that was, until now, a distant aspiration for Indian cyclists, this race stands as India’s most ambitious and prestigious cycling endeavour to date. It promises not only to showcase the nation’s burgeoning talent but also to elevate India’s stature on the global cycling stage, drawing elite athletes from across the world to compete on Indian soil. The MoU was signed by Shri Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the CFI, in the distinguished presence of luminaries including Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Ajit Pawar, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister; Shri Dattatray Bharne, the Honourable Minister for Sports; Shri Chandrakant Patil, the Honourable Minister for Higher Education; Shri Pankaj Singh, President of the CFI; Shri Jatinder Dudi, IAS, District Collector of Pune; alongside esteemed members of the CFI Executive Committee and senior officials of the Government of Maharashtra. Their collective presence underscored the gravity and promise of this momentous occasion. This landmark event signifies a bold new chapter for Indian cycling, one imbued with ambition, vision, and an unwavering commitment to sporting excellence. The Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, reaffirmed the Government of Maharashtra’s resolute dedication to this noble cause. They pledged to leave no stone unturned in supporting the CFI’s grand mission to foster a thriving cycling ecosystem, ensuring that the state becomes a beacon of inspiration for the nation. Their assurances resonate with a shared conviction that Maharashtra will lead the charge in transforming India into a global cycling powerhouse. Shri Pankaj Singh, President of the CFI, eloquently reiterated the Federation’s steadfast commitment to elevating India to the forefront of international cycling. With Maharashtra spearheading this transformative push, he expressed optimism about the promising future that lies ahead. The synergy between the CFI’s vision and the Government of Maharashtra’s unwavering support signals a bright horizon, where Indian cyclists will not only compete but excel on the world stage. The Pune Grand Challenge 2026 is more than a race; it is a clarion call to reimagine what is possible for Indian cycling. As the nation embarks on this exhilarating journey, the collaboration between the Government of Maharashtra and the CFI stands as a testament to the power of unified purpose. Together, they are poised to script a legacy of triumph, resilience, and pride, heralding an era where India’s cyclists will ride to glory, with Maharashtra leading the way. The Sportz Planet Desk
India’s Sohail Khan to face Pakistan at Kudo World Cup 2025 in Bulgaria
Bulgaria, July 4: Sohail Khan from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, will represent India at the Kudo World Cup 2025 in Bulgaria and is set to face Pakistan’s Abdullah in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 5th. This marks an important match for the Indian fighter, who is aiming for a strong run in the global championship. The Kudo World Cup 2025 matches are scheduled to take place on July 5 and 6. Sohail enters the tournament as the 12th seed in the M-250 category, based on the official world rankings released by the Kudo International Federation (KIF). His consistent performances at both national and international levels helped him earn this position. Most recently, he won a bronze medal at the Kudo Eurasian Cup 2024, which gave him crucial ranking points. A well-recognized name in the Indian Kudo circuit, Sohail has had an impressive journey. He was the gold medalist at the Junior Kudo World Cup 2017 and has won four gold medals at the Akshay Kumar International Kudo Tournament. In 2023, he made it to the quarter-finals of the Senior Kudo World Championship. Most recently, Sohail clinched his 22nd consecutive national-level gold medal at the 3rd Kudo National Championship 2025-26, held in Pune from May 16 to 22. Representing Madhya Pradesh, Sohail remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and defeated Vabhan Chaturvedi of Rajasthan 6-0 in the final. Spearheading his preparation has been an elite support team that includes Dr. Mohammad Aijaz Khan (Head Coach), Harikant Tiwari (Conditioning Coach), and Deepak Tiwari (Strengthening Coach). Sohail also receives invaluable mentorship from Hanshi Mehul Vora, India’s national coach. Kudo World Cup 2025: Where to watch Sohail Khan in action? The Kudo World Cup 2025 will be live-streamed on KumiteTechnology’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@kumitetechnology). Fans can tune into the channel and catch Sohail Khan and other Kudo athletes in action for free. The Sportz Planet Desk
How to Make a Career in Sports: A Journey driven by Passion
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s tackle the real question: Can sports be a career? Absolutely. Not only can it be a career, but for many, it’s also a life mission, a way to stay connected to the passion that shaped their childhood, their spirit, their entire way of living. I still remember sitting in the PCA stadium as a kid, watching IPL with stars in my eyes, dreaming, “How do I stay in this world forever?” That love for the game didn’t fade with time; it grew. And today, it fuels my career. But how do you really make a career in sports? Fill out the form to kickstart your career in sports: https://forms.gle/SWvcDyG4PaCUnBAV8 First, understand this, sports aren’t just about playing. Sports is so much more. Just like you wouldn’t call a plumber to fix your electrical wiring, you need specific expertise for different aspects of sports. Careers in sports are beautifully diverse sports science, sports management, sports law, sports technology, sports creative industries like journalism and photography, and many more. If you’re someone who loves sports, or you’re an athlete looking for life after the game, Congratulations! You already have a head start. You understand the passion, the sacrifice, the drive. Now, it’s about channelling that fire into a professional path. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a career in sports- Step 1: Choose Your Stream Early If you’re still in school, consider taking science subjects in grades 11 and 12 for Sports Science and a business or commerce stream for Sports Management. From there, pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sports Science or Sports Management. Several Indian universities now offer these programs, and if you’re open to studying abroad, opportunities are even wider. But here’s my honest advice: don’t chase the name of the university. Chase the curriculum. Find where the professors are doing research that excites you. Align your studies with your passion, not just prestige and ranking. Step 2: Get in the industry Theory can only take you so far. Internships are gold. They help you figure out which module of the industry excites you most, whether it’s injury rehab, performance, nutrition, marketing, or tech innovation. I remember my first internship- a tiny sports startup in Australia, with barely five employees. I did everything from coordinating events to making coffee runs. It was chaotic, underpaid, and exhausting. But the learning? Priceless. Working in smaller organizations teaches you the whole ecosystem, not just one narrow job description. I could understand how sponsorship, athlete management, media, and logistics all intertwine through my very first gig. When you eventually move to bigger organizations, you’ll be ten steps ahead. Step 3: Find a Mentor This industry is still growing, and honest information is rare. Having someone who’s been there, done that, can guide you through the confusing parts, For example- what courses to pick, how to network, when to switch jobs, and even how to deal with setbacks (because there will be a few). A mentor once told me, “The sports industry is not instant noodles, it’s slow cooked biryani” Those words stayed with me on tough days when opportunities felt scarce. Step 4: Build Your Network Early Sports is a close-knit industry. Networking isn’t optional, it’s survival. Start with a clean, professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with people you admire. Engage in conversations. Ask questions. Offer to volunteer. Shadow professionals when you can. Sometimes, one coffee meeting can open doors that months of job applications cannot. Also, create your own community, a WhatsApp group of sports enthusiasts, an Instagram page documenting your journey, or a blog sharing industry insights. Your network grows when you bring value to the table. Step 5: Explore Unconventional Paths Sports careers aren’t just about coaching or athlete management anymore. You could be a sports photographer capturing iconic moments, a sports journalist telling powerful stories, a sports tech entrepreneur building apps that change the game. One of my closest friends started by live-tweeting local matches. Today, she runs her own sports media company. The field is wide open, if you dare to look beyond traditional paths. And if you’re someone from a completely different industry, eyeing sports with curiosity, trust me, once you step in, there’s a good chance you won’t want to go back. One last piece of advice: be patient. This is not a get-rich-quick industry. It’s a calling. You won’t see overnight success, but if you love it, truly love it- the journey will be worth it. Making a career in sports isn’t easy. The industry is lean, competition is fierce, and sometimes, the pay checks won’t match your dreams, at least in the beginning. But if you love sports, if you believe it’s where your soul feels most alive, then it’s worth it. Build the right skills, stay patient, be humble enough to start small, and dream big enough to not settle. Chhavi BangaThe Sportz Planet Desk
Journey From Muddy Pitches to Premier League Dreams
I’ve been lucky. Really lucky. I’ve worn the shirt for a Premier League team and even pulled on the kit for my country. It was a dream come true, no doubt. But before the bright lights and the packed stadiums, there was something else, something that built the foundation for everything: grassroots football. It’s where it all started for me. Kicking a ball around on muddy pitches, the sheer joy of the game, and learning the basics. It developed my passion, instilled the drive in me. What I learnt about football in those days took me all the way. Grassroots is where you find that raw, unfiltered love for the beautiful game. It’s the very foundation of the sport, and let’s not forget, it’s where the vast majority of professional footballers get their start in life. Also Read: India’s Champions Trophy Win: Celebrating the ‘Team’ Behind the Team That’s why I’m still so passionate about it now. I’m currently working as an advocate for academy footballers, trying to make sure they’ve got the support and the safety net they need. Professional football is a tough world. These young footballers need to be looked after. We need to make sure they’re not just seen as potential assets, but as people with dreams and aspirations. While all the focus is often on first-team football, the Premier League, and international tournaments, it’s absolutely crucial that we don’t lose sight of grassroots. It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of it all, but we’ve got to remember where it all begins. The values we instill in young players at the grassroots level – the teamwork, the discipline, the sheer enjoyment of playing – those are the things that stay with them, whether they make it to the top or not. There should be a through-line, a consistent approach, from the youngest age groups right up to the professional level. We need to make sure that everyone, regardless of background or perceived ability, is given the chance to express themselves on the pitch, to develop their skills, and to simply enjoy the game. Grassroots football isn’t just about finding the next superstar. It’s about building communities, fostering a love of sport, and giving young people a chance to shine. And that’s something worth fighting for. So next time you see a game down your local park, remember that could be the start of something incredible, not just for the players, but for the whole community. The Sportz Planet Exclusive,Paddy GambleFormer GoalkeeperNottingham Forest