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Gaurav Bidhuri , Virat Kohli | File Photo
New Delhi: Indian boxer Gaurav Bidhuri, a World Championship bronze medallist, has called for greater recognition of Olympic sports in India, highlighting the disparity in attention given to different sports.
Speaking to the media, Bidhuri shed light on the struggles faced by athletes in sports like boxing, wrestling, and athletics. He pointed out that these disciplines often suffer from a lack of sponsorship, media coverage, and crowd support. In contrast, cricket enjoys widespread popularity and strong financial backing.
Athletes vs. Cricket – The recognition gap
"It is not that only Virat Kohli works hard; we also work very hard. People should give the same love to Olympic sports. With all due respect, representing India in major sports is much tougher than cricket," the World Championship medallist said.
His remark came a day after the BCCI announced a cash reward of Rs 58 crore for Team India following their victory at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The reward was distributed among players, coaching and support staff, and the selection committee members.
Bidhuri previously revealed that he initially wanted to be a cricketer, but his father, Dharmender Bidhuri, encouraged him to pursue boxing instead.
India's obsession with cricket
In India, non-cricketing sports often struggle for attention unless an athlete secures a major international medal. Cricket’s dominance in the country frequently overshadows achievements in other sports.
In 2023, India's highest-ranked men's singles tennis player, Sumit Nagal, revealed his financial struggles. He expressed regret over the lack of sufficient financial support and proper guidance for athletes in disciplines beyond cricket.
Lack of support for other sports
Last year, Bidhuri joined chess veteran Tania Sachdeva in criticising the Delhi government for its alleged discrimination against athletes and its failure to acknowledge their achievements.
Additionally, veteran shuttler Ashwini Ponappa disclosed that she had to personally fund all her tournaments until November 2023, including paying for her personal trainer.
Despite Indian athletes achieving immense success in prestigious events like the Olympics and World Championships, many still face financial and infrastructural challenges. Bidhuri’s remark echoes the concerns of several sportspersons who seek equal recognition and support for non-cricketing disciplines.
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