Why Is An Athlete's Value Only Limited To A Medal? Asks Golfer Vani Kapoor

Golf as a sport was once steeped in tradition, exclusivity, and rich old men. This is now undergoing a major shift in India, thanks to icons like Vani Kapoor. In a candid conversation with Shaili Chopra on The Rule Breaker Show, Kapoor reflected on her journey as one of India’s pioneering female golfers, the struggles she faced, and her vision for the future of Indian sports.

How It All Started For Vani Kapoor

Vani Kapoor’s story is one of resilience and determination. Starting as the only girl playing at DLF Golf Club, she recalled how her parents had to tell her coach to keep an eye on her because she was always surrounded by boys. Today, when she visits DLF and sees so many girls excelling in the sport—it’s heartening.

Kapoor’s early years were not without challenges. Golf, often dismissed as “an old man’s sport,” came with its share of stereotypes. She revealed that in school she even faced bullying for pursuing the game.

The Rise of Women in Golf

Today, women golfers in India are outshining their male counterparts, with many making their mark on international platforms like the Ladies European Tour and LPGA. Kapoor proudly noted If one looks at the data, women golfers are doing slightly better than men despite being fewer in number. She highlighted the remarkable achievements of players like Aditi Ashok, who are paving the way for Indian golf on the global stage.

Challenges in the Indian Sporting Ecosystem

While the success of female athletes in various sports is commendable, Kapoor lamented the lack of systemic support. People in positions of power think more about themselves than the future of Indian sports, she said, calling for a cultural and structural overhaul. She emphasized the need for grassroots changes, such as introducing robust sports programs in schools and encouraging corporate support.

If you see in schools..there are probably two half an hour sessions of sports class or PE, whatever they call it, and then you want your child to go and win a medal. It just doesn't make sense. Everything needs to change from grass root levels.

Corporate Responsibility in Sports

Kapoor also talked about an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in sports. She explains how every corporate house should support a sport. Backing players—not just events—can make a world of difference. Even appointing male and female athletes as brand ambassadors is a simple yet impactful start. Drawing comparisons with cricket, she pointed out the stark disparity in funding and support for other sports. She pointed out how cricketers play one match and they’re sorted. But for other athletes, even a small amount of funding can be life-changing.

I think people who have the authority, who have the power, who are sitting on those chairs they think more about themselves than think about the future of India. I think that's precisely it. And maybe that's what needs to change.

Women Leading the Way

Kapoor celebrated the growing skill and recognition of Indian women in sports. From badminton to weightlifting, women have consistently brought home medals and accolades. Our best Olympic medals in badminton have been won by women. Even without gold medals, women are continuously proving their potential with trophies and achievements worldwide. 

A Call for Change

Looking to the future, Kapoor stressed the importance of using her platform to advocate for change while focusing on her career. Vani is one of those support sisters who wants the next generation to have it easier than she did. Voicing the need for systemic support is the first step in making this sure.

Vani Kapoor’s journey has continuously broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. This conversation highlights the systemic changes needed to nurture India’s sporting talent. As Kapoor continues to excel on the golf course, her advocacy for a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.