On this episode of the #OddCast Show, we host champion shooter couple Heena Sidhu and Ronak Pandit. Heena is India's first female shooter to achieve a global rank of number one, and her coach Ronak Pundit, who is also her husband and the coach of the Indian shooting team delve into the challenges and realities of making a career in sports in India. They lay out clear path in academics to the nebulous journey an athlete must navigate. Through their personal stories and observations, they criticise the Indian education system's obsession with academics at the expense of sports, emphasising the lack of infrastructure, guidance, and support for budding athletes. They highlight the necessity for an ecosystem that integrates sports and academics, providing clear pathways, support, and eventual careers for athletes, while also touching upon issues like societal pressure, mental health, and the critical role of proper coaching and governance in sports. Don't miss this. 00:00 Let's go! 00:36 A Deep Dive into Sports Careers 01:02 The Pathway to Becoming an Athlete: Insights and Challenges 06:52 Personal Journey into the World of Shooting Sports 11:27 The Harsh Reality of Sports Careers and Education in India 15:58 Redefining Education and Sports: A Vision for the Future 24:22 Emotional Resilience and Mental Health in Sports 30:53 The Critical Need for a Supportive Ecosystem in Sports 33:29 The Harsh Reality of Sports Careers 34:54 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach: Success Stories 35:24 The Importance of Education for Athletes 37:46 The Challenge of Perseverance in Sports 41:16 The Critical Role of Coaches in Athlete Development 42:35 Addressing Burnout and the Importance of Balance 58:11 Navigating Controversies as an Athlete 01:02:41 Creating a Pathway for Success in Sports