You might be under the pump with an almost impossible score of 1-3 but you can win the match eventually 5-4 if you don’t give up and keep playing with your best till the end! And that’s the motivating story that the hockey team’s captain from India shares with the corporate world. A story of belief. A story of team work. A fighter spirit story, through and through! A motivational speech by the Indian Hockey team captain that gets all in the room immensely inspired with the images of the Bronze medal match flashing on the big screen!
There are endless similarities between sports and business. Right from intense preparations and planning to later dealing with crazy opponents and uncertainties while you are in the middle of the action as you are trying to win the game. Sports world is an intense story of motivation, competitiveness and team work. Those huddles on the ground, chest thumping amongst the players, those mighty high fives, crazy speedy coordination at the pit stops they are all super inspiring to look at!
Unfortunately, in the corporate world, not all are equally motivated or competitive and hence we need to pump up the workforce for much needed motivation quite often. Sports figures that your employees follow can motivate your employees like no other. They are almost like God figures for them. They have been out of treach for your employees to meet in person. But, when they see them LIVE in front of them sharing their stories of struggle and how they overcame to make winning moments happen – your employees get moved and motivated like never before.
Here is a list of most effective motivational speakers with the background of sports to inspire your employees during your key corporate events.
These Indian speakers are interestingly coming from multiple backgrounds and not just from cricket and hence much inclusive of list!
1. Pullela Gopichand
Short Brief About Pullela Gopichand
Pullela Gopichand, an ace badminton player and the Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team, is the force behind P.V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, both ace shuttlers. P.V. Sindhu is currently retaining the 5th spot in global badminton rankings. His journey from being a badminton champion to a celebrated coach is truly awe-inspiring
Achievements of Pullela Gopichand
He won the All England Open Badminton Championship in 2001, becoming the second Indian to achieve this feat. He received the Arjuna Award in 1999, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2001, the Padma Shri in 2005, the Dronacharya Award in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan – India’s third highest civilian award – in 2014. After retiring from his playing career, he founded the Gopichand Badminton Academy in 2008 that has produced some of the most acclaimed badminton players including Saina Nehwal and P. V. Sindhu.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Pullela Gopichand
Why Pullela Gopichand as a motivational speaker?
Making passion your goal and giving it your all, makes you a winner. With pure sincerity and hard work, nothing is impossible to achieve. Inspirational journey from being a champion to a widely respected mentor.
2. Harsha Bhogle
Short Brief About Harsha Bhogle
Harsha Bhogle is a distinguished cricket commentator, sports editor & a leading television personality in the field of cricket
Achievements of Harsha Bhogle
Giving the game of cricket his own special flavour with an endearing smile and a well-modulated voice, Harsha is the best at what he does, leading him to be awarded the ‘Best Sports Presenter’ by the Indian Television Academy. In the 2011 ‘World Cup’ held in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Harsha anchored the pre & post match shows. Not limiting himself to just sports, he had his own travel show –Travel India with Harsha Bhogle on Discovery Channel & has also written a biography of Mohammad Azharuddin. Harsha with his wife Anita runs a motivational workshop called ‘The Winning Way’, where they shared insights & learning on business knowledge drawn from the sporting world.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Harsha Bhogle at TED event
Why Harsha Bhogle as a motivational speaker?
Constant learning attitude despite being at the top of his game Expert analyst and a widely revered cricket guru Dedicated & devotion to one’s work never disappoints oneself
3. Mithali Raj
Short Brief About Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj, a fierce batswoman and the captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team in Tests and ODI is claimed to be one of the greatest cricketing batswomen to have ever played the game.
Achievements of Mithali Raj
She is the first player to score 7 consecutive 50s in ODIs and the first captain (men or women) to lead India to an ICC ODI World Cup final twice – 2005 and 2017. She made her ODI debut in 1999 and scored an unbeaten 114 runs. In 2002, at the age of 19, in her third Test, she broke the record of the world’s highest individual Test score of 209, scoring a new high of 214. At the 2013 Women’s World Cup, she starred as the No.1 Cricketer in the ODI chart among women and currently tops the batting table with 703 ratings. She is a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna award.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Mithali Raj
Why Mithali Raj as a motivational speaker?
Great dedication and a no-quitter attitude makes a winner. Passion and dedication can make any match win. Inspiration to thousands of women.
4. Rahul Dravid
Short Brief About Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, a former captain of the Indian cricketer team, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He is the fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket and is only the third cricketer, to score 10,000 runs, both in Tests and in ODI’s.
Achievements of Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid has been honoured with the Padma Shri & the Padma Bhushan awards for his commendable contributions. His brilliant career on the field led him to be the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL (2012), he was also appointed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s cricket committee, in the same year. He is currently the coach of India A, including the Under-19 teams & will be the same for two more years to come. His popularity & success leads him to be a unique aspirational figure for one & all.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Rahul Dravid
Why Rahul Dravid as a motivational speaker?
His Simplicity create a comfort for the audience. Consistent performance is the key for daunting goals. Always with the team and for the team attitude makes your employees unstoppable.
5. Paddy Upton
Short Brief About Paddy Upton
Patrick Anthony Howard ‘Paddy” Upton is a head coach in professional T20 cricket, mental coach to professional athletes, executive coach, and professor of practice at Deakin University. Upton spent three years with the Indian team, during which time the team attained the top test ICC team ranking for their first time (2009), and went on to win the ICC World Cup in 2011.
Achievements of Paddy Upton
His accomplishments as Head Coach include leading the Rajasthan Royals team from four years near the bottom of the IPL log to IPL Semi-finalists and Champions League finalists in his first season (2013), including a record 13 straight home wins.Upton has degrees from four different Universities, including two Master’s degrees. In 2015 he was awarded the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Achiever Award, awarded to Alumni who made significant contributions to their specialist fields and contributed to the development and well-being of society at local, provincial, national or international levels. In 2017 he was appointed Professor of Practice at Deakin University.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Paddy Upton
Why Paddy Upton as a motivational speaker?
An internationally renowned figure of inspiration and go-getter attitude. A legendary coach with great achievements that inspires to move ahead despite any hurdle. Pure talent and dedication fueled with passion makes one successful.
6. Vikram Sathaye
Short Brief About Vikram Sathaye
After 6 years as a media executive with organizations like PMG, MTV, and Metalight Films, Vikram’s time with PowerPoint and Excel was over when he realized Yana Gupta’s post-tax income was higher than the CEO’s of most multinational companies which made him wonder why he had wasted time studying Warren Buffet and Phillip Kotler. So, becoming an item number in the world of cricket was the best available alternative, the rest as they say is history.
Achievements of Vikram Sathaye
The 2004 CEAT Cricket Awards and the amateurish Youtube video gave him his 8 minutes of fame and turned me into a standup comedian. Since then, he has now done over 2000 shows across the world with leading corporate, Bollywood / cricket events, and several TV stints (SET MAX during the World Cup and Champions Trophy, India’s Tour of SA on ESPN Star Sports, and the ICC World Cup 2011 on IBN LOkMat). He launched his first cricket & humor digital show “WHAT THE DUCK” with VIU some years back and now has 4 seasons with Indian and International cricketers available on the Youtube channel “WHAT THE DUCK WITH VIKRAM SATHAYE”. He has also authored a Best Seller: How Sachin Destroyed My Life. The book documents his incredible journey of Indian Cricket.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Vikram Sathaye
Why Vikram Sathaye as a motivational speaker?
Vikram Sathay’s mix of experience makes him an extremely unique choice of motivational and keynote speaker. He is a heady mix of a Harsha Bhogale with humour punches of a Rahul Subramaniam. Insightful narration of a bestseller author like Chetan Bhagat with Santosh Desai’s mind of marketing! All of this packed with stories and visuals from the world of cricket and other sports is one of its kind experiences, a guarantee to make your events super engaging!
7. P.V Sindhu
Short Brief About P.V Sindhu
P.V Sindhu, ‘World no 4 in the BWF World Ranking’ (2017), is applauded for her performance in Badminton on international courts.
Achievements of P.V Sindhu
Being the first Indian woman to win an Olympic Silver Medal’ (2016), she is the first Indian shuttler to reach the finals of an Olympics badminton event and the youngest Indian to make a podium finish in an individual Olympic event She is one of the only two Indian badminton players to ever win an Olympic medal – the other being Saina Nehwal. She is the only player to win 2 consecutive medals at Olympics. She is the recipient of the Padma Shri award, which is extremely commendable at her age. She is a role model to all young Indians for her strive to glory & winner attitude.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by P.V Sindhu
Why P.V Sindhu as a motivational speaker?
A young achiever perfectly connects with the young audience. True inspiration for work diversity. An perfect example of hard-work and self motivation.
8. Sourav Ganguly
Short Brief About Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, fondly called Dada, earned the nickname God of the Off Side for his elegant stroke play square of the wicket and through the covers. He established himself as one of the world’s leading batsmen, particularly in the one-day format.
Achievements of Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly holds the record for registering the highest individual score by any batsman in an ICC Champions Trophy final and was also the first player to score 3 centuries in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy. Regarded as one of India’s most successful captains in modern times and one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time, he is the 8th highest run-scorer in One Day Internationals and was the 3rd batsman in history to cross the 10,000 run landmark. In the 1999 Cricket World Cup, he was involved in a partnership of 318 runs with Rahul Dravid, which remains the highest overall partnership score in the World Cup tournament history.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Sourav Ganguly
Why Sourav Ganguly as a motivational speaker?
Honesty and Integrity is the strength of a true leader. Bravery comes with yourself and with the team. All Champions once had a big dream
9. Heena Sidhu
Short Brief About Heena Sidhu
A sport shooter, became the first Indian pistol shooter to reach number one in world rankings by the International Shooting Sport Federation.
Achievements of Heena Sidhu
In 2013, she became the first Indian pistol shooter to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup finals and in 2014, she was the World record holder in the 10 meter air pistol event with a final score of 203.8. She was also a member of the Indian team at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In 2014, she was conferred with the Arjuna Award by the Government of India. She pulled out of the Asian Air Gun Championships in Tehran because Iran made the wearing of the hijab mandatory for female participants.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Heena Sidhu
Why Heena Sidhu as motivational speaker?
Focus on your target like you see through it. Life without and aim is body with out a soul. Winning heart is more inspiring than winning medals.
10. Anil Kumble
Short Brief About Anil Kumble
Former captain & coach of the Indian cricket team, is acclaimed for being one of India’s greatest ever match winners. He has taken 619 Test wickets, just third to the duo of Warne & Murali, and in the process gained enormous goodwill among fans & his fellow teammates.
Achievements of Anil Kumble
Being awarded the Padma Shri (2005) for his contribution to the game; makes him one of the most renowned namesfor generations to come. In 2012, he was appointed the chairman of International Cricket Council (ICC)’s cricket committee. Eventually holding the position of a chief mentor for the teams Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in the ‘Indian Premier League’. All this leading him to become the 4th Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Kumble’s successful yet tumultuous reign as team India coach, his attitude and values have defined him as the ideal inspiration for all achievers.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Anil Kumble
Why Anil Kumble as motivational speaker?
Embrace goodwill to be the true champion in you. Commitment and passion makes you a true legend. Ideal Inspiration for achievers in your organisation.
11. Abhinav Bindra
Short Brief About Abhinav Bindra
Abhinav Bindra, a World & Olympian champion shooter, came to light when he won a Bronze in the 2001 Munich World Cup with a new junior world record score of 597/600. He was also the youngest Indian participant at the 2000 Olympic Games.
Achievements of Abhinav Bindra
He is the first & only Indian to have held both the World & Olympic titles at the same time, a feat he accomplished by capturing the Gold Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the gold at the 2006 ISSF World Shooting Championship. He also won the Gold Medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He was appointed as the ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ for Rio 2016 Olympic Games Indian Contingent, where he finished 4th in the finals of 10m Air Rifle Event. He has been conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2000, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan Award in 2009. In 2011 he was honored as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Abhinav Bindra
Why Abhinav Bindra as motivational speaker?
Stay focus on the finish line and you will be the first person to cross it. Over come your fear and you will win hearts. Always influence people around you, it will speed up your work efficiency.
12. Mary Kom
Short Brief About Mary Kom
An Olympic boxer, is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships and the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal.
Achievements of Mary Kom
She has been ranked as No. 4 AIBA World Women’s Ranking Flyweight category. She became the first Indian woman boxer to get a Gold Medal at the Asian Games in 2014, South Korea. In 2016, she was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha and in 2017 the ‘Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ appointed her, along with Akhil Kumar, as the national observer for boxing. She has been honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2013, Arjuna Award in 2003 and Padma Shri in 2006.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Mary Kom
Why Mary Kom as motivational speaker?
The aura of Mary Kom makes the audience powerful. Women can be a mother and can be a warrior at the same time. Hit all your obstacles hard to win in life.
13. Leander Paes
Short Brief About Leander Paes
Leander Paes, a Grand Slam champion hailing from India, is often considered to be one of the best doubles & mixed doubles players, of all times.
Achievements of Leander Paes
He holds the record for the most Davis Cup doubles wins with 42 victories, equal to Nicola Pietrangeli. He also plays in World Team Tennis for the Washington Kastles, being named ‘Male MVP’ for 2009 and 2011 for all of WTT. He is the sports ambassador of the Indian state of Haryana. His young & restless win-it-all attitude make him truly inspirational.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Leander Paes
Why Leander Paes as motivational speaker?
Success can be achieved at any stage of life. Restless attitude define the true passion. Always be hungry to set the record.
14. Saina Nehwal
Short Brief About Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal, the World leading badminton player, is the only female player from India & overall the second Indian player to achieve this position. She has brought home an Olympic bronze & won over twenty international titles, which include ten Super Series titles!
Achievements of Saina Nehwal
She is the first Indian badminton player to have won an Olympic medal, along with being the only Indian to have won the BWF World Junior Championships or to have reached to the final of the BWF World Championships. She has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan – India’s third highest civilian award- in 2016. She has also received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna & Padma Shri in 2010, Arjuna Award in 2009 & ‘Most Promising Player of The Year’ in 2008 by the Badminton World Federation. A role model for many, she is credited to increasing the popularity of badminton in India & also considered one of the most successful Indian sportspersons.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Saina Nehwal
Why Saina Nehwal as motivational speaker?
Inspiring women to empower and break the odds. Be the most promising performer of all time. Influence others to work hard and to achieve a common goal.
15. Sunil Chhetri
Short Brief About Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri, who has earned the nickname Captain Fantastic, is the only second player to reach the 100-game mark after Bhaichung Bhutia’s 104.
Achievements of Sunil Chhetri
He has brilliantly equalled the record of Lionel Messi for the number of international goals, making him the second-highest goal-scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo. He is also the only Indian to have played in the USA’s Major League Soccer (USA) with Kansas City and Portugal’s Liga de Honra with Sporting Club de Lisbon. He is currently playing for Bengaluru FC. As the undisputed leader of both his club and the country, it’s a little wonder that he has won All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year on four occasions, in 2007, 2011, 2013 & 2014.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Sunil Chhetri
Why Sunil Chhetri as motivational speaker?
Be the trend setter not the trend follower. When you hear negative from the people just trust your instinct. Influence people to defeat the odds.
16. Virender Sehwag
Short Brief About Virender Sehwag
A former captain of the Indian cricket team, holds the reputation of being one of the most aggressive batsman. His monstrous hitting style has brought India laurels on many occasions.
Achievements of Virender Sehwag
He became the only Indian to be honored with the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the world for his performance in 2008, subsequently becoming the first player of any nationality to retain the award in 2009. He holds multiple records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket, which was also the fastest triple century in the history of international cricket. He also holds the distinction of being one of four batsmen in the world to have ever surpassed 300 twice in Test cricket, and the only one to score two triple centuries & take a five-wicket innings haul. He is one of only two players in the world to score a double hundred in ODI and a triple hundred in Test Cricket.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by Virender Sehwag
Why Virender Sehwag as motivational speaker?
Innovation is the key element of performer. Winners always have a self confidence. Developing new skills always gives a extra mile.
17. V.V.S. Laxman
Short Brief About V.V.S. Laxman
A former Indian batsman, is the great-grand-nephew of India’s second President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He is known for his philanthropic works and as an expert cricket commentator.
Achievements of V.V.S. Laxman
In 2001, Laxman was awarded the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting award and the Padma Shri , India’s fourth highest civilian award in 2011. Laxman holds the world record for the highest partnership (376 Runs) in 3rd innings of a Test match for any wicket during a winning cause. He is also one of the six Indian Test cricketers to score 100 runs in a single session of a Test match. In 2001, Laxman and Rahul Dravid stitched together a partnership Vs Australia, at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, that inspired India to one of their most memorable and famous Test victories of all time.
Video: Check out the talk delivered by V.V.S. Laxman
Why V.V.S. Laxman as motivational speaker?
Team will always be with you if you promise to be with them. Be someone people can depend on no matter what is wrong. Excellence comes with a lot of practice.
