Interview with India's Winter Olympics 2014 athlete Shiva Keshavan: "I cannot be called a professional athlete since I do not receive a salary"

Shiva K.P. Keshavan will represent India at the Russia Winter Olympics 2014.

He may not have been as popular as some of the other Olympians in the past couple of decades, but Shiva Keshavan will be our country’s flag bearer for the fifth time later this year in Sochi. Shiva, who recently won a silver medal in luge at the Asia Cup, will lead a 5-member Indian team to the Winter Games later this year.

Sportskeeda recently caught up with Shiva as he gears up for one of the biggest international events of his career.

Here are a few excerpts from the conversation:

How were you first introduced to the sport of luge? Were there any other sports you were good at in your childhood?

I was selected by an international federation coach who conducted a talent scout camp in Panchkula, Harayana. I was sent as a representative of my school – The Lawrence School, Sanawar. I was a gold medalist in IPSC athletics (4x100m relay) in ‘98, junior national ski champion in ’94.

I also played football, hockey gymnastics and athletics for my school and we won many national level competitions.

What are the key attribute one requires for luge?

Fast and explosive musculature combined with good reflexes and balance. Also, every sport would require a fair share of dedication.

On a normal day, what would be your training methods to prepare?

Training is a mix of power training, and technical training. For power training, I follow the program prepared my physical trainier, while for technical training I have to accumulate experience on all the international standard tracks around the world following the International Federation World Cup Circuit

Growing up in a country where there was no winter sport culture, what were the challenges you faced in finding the right guidance to go professional?

We do have a culture for winter sports in many areas of our country. Not just where I live close to Manali (H.P) but also in Gulmarg(J&K), Auli (Uttarkhand) and many other places. The challenge is that the government has not done anything to build and promote international level infrastructure and facilities that can be used by young athletes. Despite this, we are participating in international level events.

In fact, I cannot be called a professional athlete since I do not receive a salary for sport.

Which parts of the body are strained the most in this sport? What are the common injuries that one can encounter?

This sport requires an all round development of the body. The most common injuries are ice burns which occur when an athlete brushes against the wall at high speed. In case of impacts resulting from crashes, bruising or other internal injuries are also common.

We saw the video of you training on Leh-Manali highway. Is that something you do very frequently? What are the reactions from the locals when they see you training?

We do a lot of ‘roller luge’ to promote the sport and also for initiation of new athletes. This is usually done in a controlled environment by blocking traffic. Unfortunately, it is the only way we can practice our sport due to lack of infrastructure and facilities.

Are there any upcoming potential talents in winter sports for India that you’ve spotted in the past few years?

Yes, we have huge potential. A 12 member junior team had visited Japan and performed very well. Unfortunately, there has been absolutely no funding to continue their training so many children don’t progress beyond a point.

With more sports being followed in India, do you think Winter Sports can make an impact on the youth in near future?

Yes, since sports and activities are being publicised by the media, such sports are becoming popular. Also, corporates are getting involved in sports which will improve the chances of sports becoming more attractive to youngsters.

For a winter sports athlete, what are the challenges in preparing/training in a country like India where the necessary winter conditions are sporadic at best?

For us it is like competing against international athletes with a handicap as we do not have basic facilities, equipment or quality coaching.

When did you first find out about the crowdfunding movement for your Winter Olympics preparations?

That is something that was started by Olympic Gold Quest, which has been supporting us since the past 2 years.

Were you overwhelmed with the response? How crucial was Abhishek Bachchan’s role in arrange for the funds?

I know that there has been support, from a large number of people who have contributed to the Ketto crowdfunding campaign. Well known figures like Abhishek and a number of Sports, Cinema and TV personalities have promoted this so a lot of people got to know about the campaign. I think it is a great way for people to support the sportspersons of India and I am sure many athletes will benefit by such a campaign. I am thankful to everyone who contributed and promoted it.

What is the net amount that has been raised so far?

I don’t know exactly how many people contributed and how much has been raised but it is quite close to the target of 10 lakh rupees.

How have you been able to utilise it? In comparison to athletes from other countries, how much investment is done on Winter Sports preparation? What sort of programs do they have in place to train athletes?

I will utilise the funds raised through Ketto to get a better quality of equipment which is at the moment lacking when compared to other countries’ athletes.

Right now, we cannot even begin to compare the amount of investment done by other countries. We should first of all think of providing the basic expenses to our athletes for training and provide basic facilities like coaches and equipment. Also, we should think about providing some sort of fixed remuneration to all international level athletes.

Only then, we can look at other countries and try to compare the investment that needs to be done.

You’ve been given a huge push by the Indian government for the Olympics, as they have agreed to bare the expenses of your trip to Sochi. What’s your take on that?

I would not call it a huge push but I am happy that the government has begun supporting its athletes. After all we are representing the country so it is the duty of the government to bear the expenses. If the government wants results they should send athletes for training as well and not just for competition. The government has always borne the expenses of travel for everyone representing the country at the Olympics. Everything else during the Olympic Games is provided free of cost by the organisers.

Do you have regular events to compete in a calendar year to assess your progress? What are the major events you will be competing in 2014?

Yes, I have already competed in 5 World Cup and the Asia Cup in the 2103-14 winter. The Olympic Games are the last race of the season. Every year there are 9 World Cups in the international Circuit, the Asia Cup, The World Championships and other international events

You’ve been an Olympian since 1998, what is that one big change you’ve witnessed in India with respect to Winter sports?

There are no big changes to discuss but it is a constant struggle which yields small steps forward each year. In 2014, we will have 5 athletes competing in 4 disciplines at the Olympic Winter Games.

Is there anyone you look up to from the sporting world as a role model? Why?

I have the greatest respect and admiration for all Indian Athletes. Those who have achieved international medals have done so because of their own spirit dedication and determination, sometimes in the face of adverse training conditions. Abhinav Bindra, Leander Paes or Mary Kom are prime examples, but there are many more.

How crucial has the role of your family and friends been in your career growth as a luger?

I would have been nowhere without the support of my family. My parents supported my choices of following my passion for sports and encouraged my by putting everything they had on the line. My wife, my brother and my brother in law are very active and involved in the sport and each have an important role to play in my sports career. I am also lucky to have great friends, school-mates and fans that have been a support and a source of inspiration.

What would be your message for youngsters who are willing to take up luge and other winter sports?

I think following your passions as an athlete trying to realise your potential can be one of the most fulfilling endeavours in life. Also there is no greater pride than representing you country. Though the path is full of challenges be it on the field or elsewhere, you will travel, meet inspiring people and live a life of personal growth if you chose to become a sportsperson.