In other countries, retired athletes might just spend their days attending sports TV shows and telling hosts how good they were in their prime, but not in India. People in this country would build on the positive experiences they saved up throughout their careers and would search how to fulfil their potential in other areas.
For the sports stars, in most cases, it would be business, and with the qualities they obtained as athletes, they do a great job in the new place. Seasoned punters love experienced players for what they can bring to the table – stability and confidence. That’s why many people place bets on the trusted crickex app, available at the link, mostly on the teams that contain skilled veterans. Those qualities are also needed in business, regardless of sports background.
Kabaddi players conquer the office
Imagine a kabaddi player suddenly finding himself in a meeting room. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but it’s the reality for many former athletes. Their ability to tackle opponents on the field translates surprisingly well to tackling challenges in business. Who knew that the cry “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” could be replaced with “Profit, Profit”?
Hockey sticks become PowerPoint presentations
From swinging hockey sticks to wielding laser pointers, Indian hockey players have proven to be just as agile in the meeting room as they are on the field. It turns out that years of experience dodging opponents is perfect preparation for navigating the political landscape of business. Maybe there’s not much difference between scoring goals and landing a big contract?
From team captain to CEO: Leadership on a new trajectory
It turns out that years of experience shouting orders on the field is actually great training for leading a company. Former team captains often find themselves in the role of CEO, using their skills to motivate and strategise. The only difference? Now the victory dance has been replaced by a firm handshake and a “good job, team”.
Entrepreneurship: When athletes become business moguls
Some athletes aren’t content to just participate in the business world – they want to own it all. With the same determination they used to train for hours on end, they throw themselves into the entrepreneurial world. From sports equipment brands to tech startups, these athletes are proving they can score just as well on the stock market as on the field.
Challenges: When wickets become deadlines
The transition is not without its bumps in the road. Many athletes quickly realise that it’s harder to score points in the business world than on the cricket field. Suddenly, their opponents are no longer dressed in sports gear, but in suits, and the rules are far more complex than even the most complicated LBW situation.
Advice for future professional athletes
For all you young cricketers out there dreaming of a future in a suit: fear not! Here are some tips to make the transition less daunting than facing a spinner bowler on a bumpy pitch:
1. Start early: Start networking while you’re still in the spotlight. Your autograph could be your ticket to a job interview.
2. Utilise your skills: Your ability to concentrate for hours on a little red ball can easily transfer to staring at spreadsheets.
3. Be humble: Remember, in business there is no third judge to save you.
4. Keep learning: Just as you train your muscles, now you need to train your brain. MBA is the new IPL.
The new arena: Where victories are measured in rupees
Companies have long realized that your sports background can be great for a candidate and negate the lack of some other key skills or relevant experience. Some businesses use the face and personal brand of the athlete to promote their products, while you can train and climb the corporate ladder.
As a sportsperson, you can consider this change of clothes from a jersey to a suit as a new and interesting challenge, which you have had a lot in your career. Prove yourself and show once again that you’re worthwhile by keeping a cool head and acquiring new skills. Besides, your trophy cabinet will get an addition when you earn an “Employee of the Month” title.
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