Helping Young Athletes Dream Wisely: A Framework for Career Counsellors and Parents
Professional Indian MMA fighter Vicky Singh Tomkyal went viral for working as a night security guard at a marriage hall in Dehradun to support himself financially. Stories like Vicky Singh’s are uncomfortable because they remind us of a truth that career counsellors cannot ignore. Exceptional talent does not always translate into financial security . This isn't unique to mixed martial arts but to most sports. In India, while the sporting ecosystem has grown tremendously over the past decade, sustainable careers remain the exception rather than the norm for athletes in many disciplines. Outside a handful of sports and elite performers, many athletes still struggle to build financially sustainable careers. Opportunities vary greatly between sports, cities and states. Institutional support is improving, but we still have a long way to go before we can confidently tell every young athlete, "Yes, you'll definitely be able to make a living doing this." As career counse...