Kapil Dev Advocates for Diverse Sports Engagement Among Youth
Encouragement for Multisport Involvement
Kapil Dev, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has called on young athletes to engage in various sports beyond their main focus. He believes that participating in different sports can enhance their overall performance by expanding their mindset. "I encourage both boys and girls to play sports—not just their primary sport, but also others. Engaging in different sports can significantly boost your performance. For instance, if you play hockey, try your hand at golf. If golf is your game, give cricket a shot. Each sport offers unique benefits that can alter your thought process," Kapil Dev stated on Friday.
Promoting Leadership in Indian Golf
Kapil Dev has been instrumental in advancing golf in India and took on the role of president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) in June 2024, following HR Srinivasan. He has been part of the PGTI board since 2021 and is dedicated to enhancing the professional golf landscape in the nation. The PGTI, in collaboration with the Essar Foundation, announced the Shri Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship, scheduled to take place at the Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai from January 12 to 15, 2027. Under his leadership, the PGTI has bolstered its commercial partnerships, including a multi-year deal with DP World established in January 2026, making it the tour's title and official umbrella partner. Recently, India hosted the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Course, where Spain's Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra emerged victorious.
The Legacy of a Cricket Icon
Kapil Dev is celebrated as one of India's finest all-rounders, having led the nation to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983. His impressive career includes 131 Test matches and 225 One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he amassed 5,248 and 3,783 runs, respectively, while also claiming 434 Test wickets and 253 ODI wickets. Notably, he is the only cricketer to have scored over 5,000 runs and taken more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, a testament to his dual prowess as a batsman and bowler. His career highlights include the legendary unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup, a performance that played a crucial role in India's remarkable comeback.