In the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the spotlight naturally falls on cricket and squash, where Indian representation has been notable. However, the inclusion of baseball/softball, flag football, and lacrosse in the upcoming Games also hints at a broader landscape of sporting enthusiasm within India.
Baseball and Softball: Growing Presence and National Championships
The Senior National Baseball Championship recently kicked off in Sangrur, Punjab, showcasing over 20 teams each in the men’s and women’s divisions. Similarly, flag football, a non-contact version of American football, has seen significant participation with a robust league that has thrived in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kerala, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
Flag Football’s Flourishing League and Regional Strongholds
Sandeep Chaudhari, CEO of the American Football Federation of India (AFFI), highlighted the growth of flag football, boasting over 30,000 registered athletes across the nation. Meanwhile, baseball, spearheaded by the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI), has been making strides since its inception in 1983, with strong showings in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, and Goa.
Lacrosse: Developmental Strides and Awareness ProgramsGlobal Standing: India’s Ranking Challenges
Lacrosse, a nascent sport in India, has seen developmental efforts gaining momentum post-2018, albeit slowed by the pandemic. Himanshu Sinha from the Lacrosse Association of India (LAI) noted the recent strides made through workshops and awareness programs supported by World Lacrosse, the global governing body.
However, on the global stage, India faces challenges in qualifying for these sports at the Olympic level. Despite the Indian women’s baseball team ranking 15th worldwide, men’s teams lag behind at 68th. Similar rankings persist in softball and flag football, with lacrosse still in its developmental phase.
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Hurdles on the Path: Infrastructure and Financial Struggles
Pravin Anaokar, CEO of the Softball Association of India, emphasized ongoing efforts to develop talent through age-group competitions and grassroots coaching clinics. Yet, challenges loom large, primarily concerning infrastructure and funding. The lack of visibility adds to the struggle in securing sponsorships, while the cost of importing equipment for sports like lacrosse poses a significant hurdle.
Sinha underscored the need to localize equipment production to make lacrosse more accessible, echoing sentiments shared across other sports grappling with the expense of imported gear.
Seeking Olympic Recognition: Anticipated Boost for Sports
The road ahead is daunting, with infrastructure limitations and financial constraints posing significant obstacles. However, there’s a glimmer of hope with the anticipation that the Olympic tag could open doors to better facilities and governmental support. Officials from various federations express the urgency to revamp the outlook toward these sports, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prepare for the 2028 Games.
Urgent Need for Overhaul: Preparation for LA 2028
while India’s prowess in cricket and squash resonates strongly, the emergence of these other sports signifies a broader narrative of sporting growth and potential. Overcoming challenges through concerted efforts, governmental backing, and infrastructural developments remains pivotal in carving a distinct presence for these sports on the global stage come LA 2028.