Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh has extended an interesting offer to India: help in excelling at Olympic sports. Waugh stressed that while India has become a global force in cricket and no longer needs guidance in that field, Australia could play a crucial role in helping the nation raise its standards in other sports.
Highlighting Australia’s strengths, Steve Waugh pointed out that his country is equipped with world-class sports technology, cutting-edge sports science, advanced medical expertise, and globally recognised sporting apparel.
These, he believes, can help India enhance performance across multiple disciplines. His remarks come with weight, considering Australia ranks 14th on the all-time Olympic medal tally with 636 medals, including 185 gold. In stark contrast, India has secured only 58 medals in total, comprising 13 gold, 25 silver, and 20 bronze.
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“They don’t need any help in cricket. India is already doing it very well,” Steve Waugh told PTI. “But in other sports, Australia can definitely help. We have the best technology, sports science, medicine, and clothing brands. This expertise can help India become better at sports overall.”
Waugh also reflected on the cultural differences between India and Australia in balancing education and sport. He explained that in Australia, sport often takes centre stage during school years, with academics adjusted around it, whereas in India, education is prioritised, and sport comes later. However, he noted encouraging changes in recent years, with Indian schools and universities showing greater focus on sporting development.
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“Sport was everything to me growing up—it was sport 24×7—education fitted in alongside it. In India, education is number one, then sport. But now I see more emphasis on sport in schools, which is a very positive change,” Steve Waugh added.
The former Australian skipper concluded by saying he believes India is eager to shine not just in cricket but also on the Olympic stage, and Australia is ready to contribute toward that ambition.
