'Every Sport Helps': Kapil Dev Urges Youth to Diversify
Cricket legend Kapil Dev encourages young athletes to diversify their sports to improve performance and broaden their thought processes.
Former Indian captain and 1983 World Cup hero Kapil Dev has called upon young athletes to step outside their primary sporting disciplines. The legendary all-rounder believes that engaging in a variety of sports can significantly enhance an athlete's overall performance by broadening their mental approach and thought process.
The Power of Diversification
Speaking in Mumbai during the announcement of the Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship, Kapil Dev emphasized that versatility is a key to growth. He encouraged boys and girls to experiment with different games, regardless of their main focus.
"I just want boys and girls to play sports—not just their own sport, but other sports as well," Kapil Dev stated. "Playing different sports can help you improve your performance. If you play hockey, come and play golf. If you play golf, go and play cricket. Every sport can help you because it changes your thought process."
The cricket icon even reflected on his own career, suggesting that a different sporting habit might have boosted his statistics. He remarked that had he taken up golf during his active cricketing days, he believes he could have added another 2,000 runs to his tally.
Beyond the Main Game
Kapil Dev urged aspiring athletes to carve out time for activities like badminton, table tennis, and squash. According to him, these diversions are not distractions but tools that can definitely help a sportsperson excel in their primary field.
Driving the Growth of Golf in India
While his legacy is rooted in cricket, Kapil Dev is now heavily invested in the growth of golf. Having been a member of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) board since 2021, he took over as the president of the PGTI in June 2024, succeeding HR Srinivasan.
Under his leadership, the PGTI has seen significant commercial growth, including a major multi-year agreement signed in January 2026 with global logistics giant DP World. This partnership saw the circuit rebranded as the DP World PGTI. Recently, the DP World India Championship was hosted at the Delhi Golf Course, where Spain's Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra emerged victorious.
Upcoming Tournament
The PGTI and Essar Foundation have officially announced the Shri Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship. The event is scheduled to take place at the Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai from January 12 to 15, 2027.
A Legacy of Excellence
Kapil Dev's advice carries immense weight given his unparalleled record in international cricket. As one of India's greatest all-rounders, he remains the only cricketer to achieve the milestone of scoring over 5,000 runs and taking more than 400 wickets in Test cricket.
- Test Career: 131 matches, 5,248 runs, and 434 wickets.
- ODI Career: 225 matches, 3,783 runs, and 253 wickets.
- Historic Moment: His unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, which rescued India from a dire 17/5, remains one of the most iconic innings in sporting history.