Interview with India's Winter Olympics 2014 athlete Shiva Keshavan: "I cannot be called a professional athlete since I do not receive a salary"

Were you overwhelmed with the response? How crucial was Abhishek Bachchan’s role in arrange for the funds?

I know that there has been support, from a large number of people who have contributed to the Ketto crowdfunding campaign. Well known figures like Abhishek and a number of Sports, Cinema and TV personalities have promoted this so a lot of people got to know about the campaign. I think it is a great way for people to support the sportspersons of India and I am sure many athletes will benefit by such a campaign. I am thankful to everyone who contributed and promoted it.

What is the net amount that has been raised so far?

I don’t know exactly how many people contributed and how much has been raised but it is quite close to the target of 10 lakh rupees.

How have you been able to utilise it? In comparison to athletes from other countries, how much investment is done on Winter Sports preparation? What sort of programs do they have in place to train athletes?

I will utilise the funds raised through Ketto to get a better quality of equipment which is at the moment lacking when compared to other countries’ athletes.

Right now, we cannot even begin to compare the amount of investment done by other countries. We should first of all think of providing the basic expenses to our athletes for training and provide basic facilities like coaches and equipment. Also, we should think about providing some sort of fixed remuneration to all international level athletes.

Only then, we can look at other countries and try to compare the investment that needs to be done.

You’ve been given a huge push by the Indian government for the Olympics, as they have agreed to bare the expenses of your trip to Sochi. What’s your take on that?

I would not call it a huge push but I am happy that the government has begun supporting its athletes. After all we are representing the country so it is the duty of the government to bear the expenses. If the government wants results they should send athletes for training as well and not just for competition. The government has always borne the expenses of travel for everyone representing the country at the Olympics. Everything else during the Olympic Games is provided free of cost by the organisers.

Do you have regular events to compete in a calendar year to assess your progress? What are the major events you will be competing in 2014?

Yes, I have already competed in 5 World Cup and the Asia Cup in the 2103-14 winter. The Olympic Games are the last race of the season. Every year there are 9 World Cups in the international Circuit, the Asia Cup, The World Championships and other international events

You’ve been an Olympian since 1998, what is that one big change you’ve witnessed in India with respect to Winter sports?

There are no big changes to discuss but it is a constant struggle which yields small steps forward each year. In 2014, we will have 5 athletes competing in 4 disciplines at the Olympic Winter Games.

Is there anyone you look up to from the sporting world as a role model? Why?

I have the greatest respect and admiration for all Indian Athletes. Those who have achieved international medals have done so because of their own spirit dedication and determination, sometimes in the face of adverse training conditions. Abhinav Bindra, Leander Paes or Mary Kom are prime examples, but there are many more.

How crucial has the role of your family and friends been in your career growth as a luger?

I would have been nowhere without the support of my family. My parents supported my choices of following my passion for sports and encouraged my by putting everything they had on the line. My wife, my brother and my brother in law are very active and involved in the sport and each have an important role to play in my sports career. I am also lucky to have great friends, school-mates and fans that have been a support and a source of inspiration.

What would be your message for youngsters who are willing to take up luge and other winter sports?

I think following your passions as an athlete trying to realise your potential can be one of the most fulfilling endeavours in life. Also there is no greater pride than representing you country. Though the path is full of challenges be it on the field or elsewhere, you will travel, meet inspiring people and live a life of personal growth if you chose to become a sportsperson.