India’s only winter Olympian, Shiva Keshavan feels the anger of the youth in the unstable region, in a lockdown since article 370 was abolished there on August 5 last year, can be channelised in a positive manner if it’s directed towards winter sports. J&K witnesses heavy snowfall in winter, making it an ideal destination for these games.
“A lot of athletes I have met, people who have strong emotions, anger… they can be that much more successful because they have something to prove. This is a way to prove it in a non-destructive way, and you’ll get your platform, you know, ” said Keshavan at a CII summit to promote winter sports here on Wednesday.
The six-time Olympian cited the example of coloured athletes in the US, who carved a respect for them in the society by winning medals in the Olympics.
“You look at the ‘Black movement’ in America. How the athletes reached a certain level, they have shown the world what they can do, and now there’s a different respect for them. So, if we can channel it (the youth’s emotions) that way, then it will be better for the country. Because then, the conversations will change. However, you need to support, help and build that basic infrastructure,” Keshavan said.
During his entire career he struggled for funds and support, but Keshavan now wants to help aspiring athletes in these sports by launching a residential academy for them.
“My idea is to have a residential complex with all the multi-sport facilities. Since it will be in the mountains, we will have access to the ski area, ice hockey (rink) can be built over time. I’m speaking to a couple of state governments to give a little bit of land or get some sponsor,” he explained.
He feels that India can be a winter sports hub in south Asia.
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