Business Remedies | Charu Bhatia | Senior News Editor | In conversation with Mr. Ankit Agarwal, visionary behind Shree Ram Sports Kingdom
Mr. Ankit shared the journey of how he set up an Academy for Basketball with National Basketball Association standards in Jaipur, Rajasthan. With support of his family, he pursued his interest and built a strong ground for all the passionate young basketball players. His experience shows that determination and strategy are foundational to success of a novel and different idea.
Question: Hello sir. Could you please elaborate on the kind of academy you have and how did you establish it? How did such an idea come into your mind?
Answer: Well, the academy is known as Shree Ram Sports Kingdom, which is located in Vishwakarma Industrial area and it basically caters to the players and enthusiasts of Basketball and Badminton. We have indeed the best basketball court in Rajasthan and additionally, Shree Ram is state’s first indoor wooden Basketball Academy with NBA standards. Prior to this, I was involved with my family business. We had a land in hand for factory purposes but as I always leaned towards basketball playing, I decided to open up an Academy and this is how Shree Ram came into existence.
Question: Could you please share something about your educational and family background? Also, please add about your journey as a sportsman so far?
Answer: I have done MBA. And our family business relates to spices trading. I opened up the Academy and got involved with Basketball after a gap of 5-6 years. The Academy is one of the results of my interest and passion in sports, and specifically, basketball.
Question: Since you have such an interest in sports and are enthusiastic about it so much, please tell us why should one play sports?
Answer: The fact that today’s lifestyle has become so unhealthy and unfit that young generations are no longer physically exerting themselves. For an active lifestyle, sports is very significant. Apart from this, some young lads find themselves skilled enough and even passionate enough to pursue a career in sports and therefore, it is also a field where a dedicated career can be carved out. For some of them, it becomes a medium of relaxation from the daily routines of life, which is also a crucial point of importance. The bottom line is playing or engaging in a sport is much needed as it serves you a ground for staying healthy and fit.
Question: Thats true. There are so many sports’ academies functioning in the city. How do you believe that Shree Ram is different from them all and what is its trademark?
Answer: The most notable difference is the wooden courts we have in the academy for our learners and players. The ground has shockers which helps the players to remain safe and okay in all circumstances. This ensures that people of all ages can play basketball in the court. Besides, we have courts for other sports also like badminton, volleyball and cricket. We have various types of sessions at different times of the day like in the morning, old people enjoy playing badminton in the court while in the evenings, from 5 PM to 7 PM, a full-fledged professional session happens. We aim at bringing the best potential of every player, applying and teaching best on-field techniques. We have a team of learned, certified and experienced basketball coaches. The main objective is to make our players responsible and alert for their fitness to improve and sharpen their skills to understand and excel the game.
Question: You have yourself been a basketball player. If I talk about popularity of Basketball in India, what challenges do you find?
Answer: The game of Basketball in India doesn’t align with international standards. Also, its popularity is a big question because all the required infrastructure is not available in India, which makes the game easy to play, like presence of wooden courts. Shree Ram, however, tries to go beyond the set standards and provide the facilities needed for the sport. For Basketball to popularise in India, it is required that it strictly follows the international standards so that the country can produce players of international repute and skills. Also, I would like to state the fact that in international scenarios, government is involved in sports’ development and promotion. However, in India, that is lacking. Therefore, more active engagement of government with sports can bear positive results. Parents in tier 2 and 3 cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi are aware about the importance of sports in a child’s life and they encourage their children to step out to do something in the field. But that is not the case everywhere, in smaller cities.
Question: What exactly should be the balance between academics and co-curricular activities in schools? Do you believe that sports should be given more importance?
Answer: I absolutely believe that education is the cornerstone for basic foundation of a child. Therefore, at no cost, should education and academics be compromised. However, for maintaining an active lifestyle, sports should be encouraged. It should be a daily part of everyone. Those who wish to build their careers in that can choose to dedicate their efforts entirely in that direction.
Question: What do you believe how is basketball a different game from other popular sports like cricket?
Answer: Basketball needs a lot of physical workouts like running. It can be played by even a 6-year-old. It has two teams of 12 members each, out of which 5 are on field and 7 are off field. The number of off field players are more because there are enhanced chances of injuries and fouls for the players in Basketball. There is continuous series of running and jumping in the game. There are three referees and one table referred in case of confusion. There are four quarters of 10 minutes each for a game.
Question: As a player, who has been a source of inspiration for you or your look upto personality in Basketball?
Answer: I consider Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose as my inspirational figures. Michael Jordan is considered as the God of Basketball and is the richest sportsman in the world and I look upto Derrick because of the position and style he plays in the game. I too play in the same position.
Question: What are your expectations of the government regarding the functioning of academy or organising Basketball games in general?
Answer: We are in talks with BFI (Basketball Federation of India) about the opportunities for collaboration, for the organisation of games and working of academy in general.
Question: Any advice you would like to give to youth?
Answer: Yes. Make Basketball or any other sport a part of your life.
Interviewed By:
Charu Bhatia
