‘Players must do their own branding’
| Date :01-Jun-2020 |
Sports Reporter :
TIME has come for players to do their own branding to make the most of the hard work in this cut-throat competition era, feels senior journalist and experienced athletics statistician Naresh Shelke. Shelke was speaking on third day of the 10-day Webinar ‘Making of Champions’ organised by the Physical Education and Sports Department of RTMNU. Speaking on the topic ‘Branding Of Champions’, Shelke said, “Generally a sportsperson’s career is of 8-10 years.
If the players do proper branding of their sports then only they can earn respect in the society and have a rewarding life. Players must know how to interact with the media. They must be wise enough to tackle negative questions and at the same time must have the ability to express themselves. Present day sportspersons need to be taught these things.” Shelke offered them advice on how to move ahead in this regard. “The players must hire an agency to ensure proper branding is been done. The players must also use various social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Istagram effectively to promote themselves.
“Those who are able to brand themselves well are benefited and get personal sponsorships. Players must also present their views on other events happening in the society to stay connected with the masses,” Shelke said. The speaker also advised the players to stay away from negative comments. “Players should take care not to speak against the government, sports federations and associations, rivals and spectators,” he said. Shelke also answered to queries put forward by the participants. Academic Council Member and Principal PWS College Dr Yashwant Patil presided over the Webinar.
Dr Jaiprakash Dubale, Joint Director, Sports and Youth Services, Maharashtra was the resource person on Saturday. Speaking on ‘College Students’ Participation In Sports: A Challenge’, Dubale stressed on the need of participation of society in the upliftment of sports and sportspersons. “In a developing nation like India, involvement of general public is a must for development of sports. Apart from the aids provided by government and university grants commission, colleges must strive hard at their level to generate funds on their own and this is possible by involving common people,” Dubale said during the Webinar. Dubale also opined that to increase particiaption of students in sports on large scale, colleges must have sports career centre. “Colleges must also hold regular seminars and interactions with international players for their students,” he said. On Monday, famous sports physiotherapist Dr Kevin Agrawal will talk on ‘Injury Free Sports’.