New Delhi, March 10 -- Former Olympian and Indian badminton national coach Pullela Gopichand has stirred up a hornet's nest by advising people against putting their children up to a career in sports unless they are rich. Gopichand rued the lack of long-term work opportunities for players who do not make it to the elite club, making it difficult for them to earn a livelihood after retiring.

Coaches from other sports, too, echo Gopichand's concern.

Delhi-based Sandeep Gupta, Dronacharya awardee and head coach at Stag Table Tennis Academy, said even the training leading up to the sports career is quite expensive. "Sports like badminton, table tennis and tennis are costly sports. For instance, one pair of rubbers in a table tennis bat alone...