Kapil Dev Says This Change Necessary For India To "Produce All Champions" In Sports

Cricket legend Kapil Dev feels the day Indian parents start giving more emphasis on sports, the country will produce more champions across disciplines. Kapil said the mentality of Indian parents towards sports have changed drastically over the years, but more needs to be done. Kapil made the remarks close on the heels of the Indian men badminton team's historic Thomas Cup triumph on Sunday. "I feel (it's) the parents, not the kids. We produce more doctors, scientists, engineers in our country because parents want them to. The day parents want their kid to become a sportsperson, we will produce all champions," Kapil said in New York on Tuesday.

He was responding to a question by PTI on what changes he has witnessed in Indian sports over the years that is propelling the country's sportspersons to excel on the international arena.

Kapil was the guest of honour at a special event hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York as part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations to commemorate India's 75 years of independence. The event was attended by members of the Indian community and cricketing fans.

Kapil, considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, cited an example in this regard, saying if his daughter had to appear for 10th grade examination and simultaneously play for junior India, he would tell her to "go and study".

"But in America or Europe or Australia, they will say drop this year, play for junior for your country and next year you give exam. That thought process in our country hasn't changed yet," said Kapil, who guided the Indian cricket team to its historic 1983 World Cup victory.

"But it's changing. That's why I said parents are more important than the kids in our society, the way we