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Sumit Rathi on Athlete Recognition: Achievement Unchanged by Empty Airport

Indian footballer Sumit Rathi has offered a different perspective on the debate about athlete recognition in India, arguing that an achievement's value remains unchanged regardless of public attention. His comments followed Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's disappointment over the lack of recognition for non-cricket athletes after the Thomas Cup bronze win. Rathi stressed that footballers should focus on performances rather than comparing popularity with other sports, noting that even limited recognition matters as football grows in India. He concluded that as achievements reach people, support will naturally follow, emphasizing the importance of taking Indian football to a higher level.

Key Points: Sumit Rathi: Crowd Doesn't Define Achievement

  • Sumit Rathi argues achievement value is independent of public recognition
  • Satwiksairaj Rankireddy expressed disappointment over lack of non-cricket athlete recognition
  • Rathi emphasizes footballers should focus on performance, not popularity comparisons
  • He notes that even limited recognition matters for growing sports in India
2 min read

'My achievement doesn't change if airport is empty': Sumit Rathi on athlete recognition debate

Indian footballer Sumit Rathi responds to Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's comments on athlete recognition, saying airport crowds don't change an achievement's value.

"Even if the airport is empty, it doesn't matter. Because my achievement is neither less nor more by filling the airport or being empty. - Sumit Rathi"

New Delhi, May 9

Indian footballer Sumit Rathi has shared a different perspective on the debate surrounding Indian athletes, other than cricketers, not getting enough recognition, arguing that an achievement's value remains unchanged whether or not a crowd is waiting at the airport.

His comments came after Indian badminton star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition for athletes from non-cricket sports in India, recalling how members of the historic Thomas Cup bronze-winning team returned quietly from Denmark without much public attention, and no one was there to receive them at the airport.

Satwik had said that despite wearing India jerseys and achieving one of the country's biggest badminton milestones, most people at the airport were more focused on IPL and politics. He added that winning bronze in the Thomas Cup was extremely difficult and felt such historic moments should have been celebrated more across the country.

Reacting to those concerns, Rathi said public attention and airport crowds do not define an athlete's achievement.

"I feel that the game I am playing, I am not competing with 10 or 12 countries. I am competing with 200-plus countries. The whole world plays football," Rathi told IANS. "So even if the airport is empty, it doesn't matter. Because my achievement is neither less nor more by filling the airport or being empty. That achievement remains an achievement," he added.

The defender said footballers should focus on their performances and taking Indian football to a higher level instead of comparing popularity with athletes from other sports.

"I just want to do my work for my country with good intent and good effort. If we don't do it today, we will do it tomorrow. But if achievements reach people, then support will definitely come," he said.

Rathi also stressed that even limited recognition matters because football in India is still growing.

"Right now, maybe one million people don't know you, but at least ten thousand people know you. That is also an achievement. I want to try abroad. I want to take my country to a higher level. Automatically, when we do well, people will support us," Rathi concluded.

Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj also gave a clarification on his comments on Friday, saying his disappointment did not come from a desire for personal glory or financial gain but was about the emotional impact of "silence" following major international milestones.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I appreciate Rathi's attitude, but I feel like this is a bit too stoic. While his personal resilience is admirable, the problem Satwik pointed out is systemic. In countries like Australia or the UK, even lesser-known sports get media coverage and public support when they achieve something historic. The Thomas Cup bronze was huge for Indian badminton—arguably bigger than many cricket wins. So while Rathi doesn't need the validation, the sport as a whole does.
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Priya S
Both have valid points. Rathi's mental toughness is inspiring, but Satwik's frustration is also justified. In India, we have this obsession with cricket that sometimes blinds us to other achievements. I remember when the women's hockey team did so well in the Olympics—there was some fanfare, but nothing compared to what a cricket team would get. The government and media need to step up. But on a personal level, every athlete should have Rathi's attitude—focus on the work, not the applause.
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James A
Interesting take. As someone who follows global sports, I think Rathi's point about competing with 200+ countries in football (unlike cricket) is key. Football is the world's biggest sport, so making it in football is genuinely harder than in some other sports. That said, the airport reception thing is more about national pride than individual validation. If a country doesn't celebrate its achievers, it signals a lack of respect for the effort. Both perspectives are needed.
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Vikram M
I agree with Rathi 100%. As an Indian, I am tired of seeing athletes complain about lack of recognition. The whole 'we don't get airport receptions' narrative is getting old. At the end of the day, you play for the love of the game, not for crowds. Satwik's comments sound a bit entitled. If you want more attention, keep winning and people will notice. Rathi's focus on performance over popularity is the right mindset. Work hard, results will speak.

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