Kapil Dev feels the day Indian parents start giving more emphasis to sports, the country will produce more champions across disciplines. Kapil made the remarks close on the heels of the India men badminton team’s Thomas Cup triumph on Sunday.

“We produce more doctors, scientists, engineers in our country because parents want them to. The day parents want their kid to become a sportsperson, we will produce all champions,” Kapil said here on Tuesday.

He was responding to a question on what changes he has witnessed in Indian sports over the years that is propelling the country’s sportspersons to excel in the international arena.

Kapil was the guest of honour at a special event hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York.

Kapil cited an example in this regard, saying if his daughter had to appear for her 10th grade examination and simultaneously play for junior India, he would tell her to “go and study”.

“But in America or Europe or Australia, they will say drop this year, play for junior for your country and next year you give the exam. That thought process in our country hasn’t changed yet,” said Kapil, who had guided the Indian cricket team to its historic 1983 World Cup victory.