
Economies Of Khel
Claim This Podcastby Radio Azim Premji University
Podcast Overview
<p>Whether you like to play, or watch, you cannot ignore sports. This is a nuanced world, a dog-eat-dog world, where the price of 15 minutes of glory is a lifetime’s investment of sweat, grit, and nerves. But away from the stadia and the arenas, the fixtures and strictures, the record-keeping and the rulebooks, and the politicking game theory of global sports administration, is a world tailor-made for the hobbyist and the amateur. In this world, fortune and fame bump fists, athleticism and glamour collide. Here, anything is possible. And anybody can play.</p><p>Rahul De, who teaches economics at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, is obsessed with the business of sport. Of particular interest to him are sporting activities that are off-radar for the mainstream, yet command a devoted fan base. Think WWE, kabaddi, amateur running… How do these sports find a market, build loyal communities, and create wealth for participants and promoters alike?</p><p>Co-presenting the series are Kailash Koushik, Assistant Professor at the School of Arts and Humanities at Christ University, Bengaluru, and Arvind Bharathi, who is with the School of Arts and Sciences at Azim Premji University.</p><p>Economies Of Khel is a non-commercial educational podcast by Radio Azim Premji University.</p><p>Credits:</p><p>Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar</p><p>For a comprehensive list of resources for further exploration, visit our website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel-the-curious-business-of-unconventional-sports">https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel-the-curious-business-of-unconventional-sports</a></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/11/2024
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Recent Episodes

December 12, 2024
Short Circuit - India’s F1 Story
Rahul De and Kailash Koushik connect the dots on India's failed Formula One story, revealing the intricate web of reasons behind its demise.

November 12, 2024
Net Net - India’s Badminton Subculture
<p>Guess what screams through the air at a whopping 565 km per hour? Not a peregrine falcon. Not a bullet train. Not even a Bugatti on the freeway.</p><p>It’s a shuttlecock flying off the racquet of an Indian champion who set the Guinness record for the fastest smash.</p><p>In ‘Net-Net’, episode 4 of Economies of Khel, economist Rahul De and media studies expert Kailash Koushik analyse the curious subculture and economic currents shaping one of India’s most cherished sports. They explore how badminton has woven itself into the social fabric of India.</p><p>For a sport that began in India as a British colonial import confined to Gymkhana clubs, badminton’s undemanding nature and accessibility helped it to permeate Indian society, carving out a special niche within middle-class neighbourhoods . It became one of the few sports where men and women could play side-by-side, offering a rare space for co-ed interaction in a conservative society. Kailash reflects on how, in these humble settings, badminton was almost like a cup of coffee—casual, accessible, and refreshingly uncompetitive, often played just to enjoy each other’s company.</p><p>For Rahul De, the rise of badminton in India can be viewed in two distinct eras: before and after Pullela Gopichand. The former national champion and celebrated coach established the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad, a powerhouse that has produced champions like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. Besides nurturing elite athletes, his academy has propelled the sport into the national consciousness, inspiring a new generation and sparking a surge in badminton courts and academies across the country.</p><p>In “Net-Net” we dig into the marketing personas crafted around Indian badminton stars, with Saina’s relatable small-town charm contrasting Sindhu’s high-gloss, urban image. These branding strategies offer a peek into badminton’s dual identity in India, balancing grassroots appeal with a rising, elite-driven professional presence. Today, it’s hard to find a place in India where badminton is not played.</p><p>Of course, if you tend to feel claustrophobic inside an indoor court, you can always step outside and enjoy a game of AirBadminton with a specially designed wind-resistant shuttle!</p><p>Intrigued? You have to listen to the episode for the rest. Tune in to unpack the fascinating layers of badminton in India.</p><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar</p><p>For more information and resources, visit our website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel/net-net-smashingly-curious-about-badminton">https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel/net-net-smashingly-curious-about-badminton</a></p>

September 24, 2024
Run Bhoomi
<p>Over the past two decades, running in India has transformed from a niche pursuit to a mainstream phenomenon, driven by rising fitness awareness, social influencers, and dedicated running communities. This evolution began in the late 2000s, when tech professionals returning to cities like Bengaluru from the USA brought with them the enthusiasm for long-distance running, a trend that had already gained popularity in the West.</p><p>In Bengaluru, communities like the Hashhouse Harriers and pioneers such as KC Kothandapani played a key role in making running accessible and organised. As interest grew, running blossomed into both a passion sport and a profitable industry. International sports brands recognised the market potential, sponsoring marathons and promoting their products through running clubs. Corporate sponsors also encouraged employee participation in fitness events, further fueling the sport’s growth.</p><p>The rise of digital platforms enabled running influencers and coaches to gain significant followings, turning running into a viable career for many. Today, running in India thrives, with marathons, half-marathons, and even “runcations” becoming commonplace.</p><p>Arvind Bharathi led India’s first running club, Runners for Life, for over a decade, helping bridge the gap between amateur and serious runners. In Run Bhoomi, the third episode of Economies of Khel, Arvind joins hosts Rahul De and Kailash Koushik to share his insights, tracing the passion, culture, and business that have shaped running into a cultural phenomenon in India that blends fitness, community, and commerce.</p><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar</p><p>For more information and additional resources, visit our website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel/run-life-run-money">https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel/run-life-run-money</a></p>
6 total episodes available
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- What is Economies Of Khel?
<p>Whether you like to play, or watch, you cannot ignore sports. This is a nuanced world, a dog-eat-dog world, where the price of 15 minutes of glory is a lifetime’s investment of sweat, grit, and nerves. But away from the stadia and the arenas, the fixtures and strictures, the record-keeping and the rulebooks, and the politicking game theory of global sports administration, is a world tailor-made for the hobbyist and the amateur. In this world, fortune and fame bump fists, athleticism and glamour collide. Here, anything is possible. And anybody can play.</p><p>Rahul De, who teaches economics at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, is obsessed with the business of sport. Of particular interest to him are sporting activities that are off-radar for the mainstream, yet command a devoted fan base. Think WWE, kabaddi, amateur running… How do these sports find a market, build loyal communities, and create wealth for participants and promoters alike?</p><p>Co-presenting the series are Kailash Koushik, Assistant Professor at the School of Arts and Humanities at Christ University, Bengaluru, and Arvind Bharathi, who is with the School of Arts and Sciences at Azim Premji University.</p><p>Economies Of Khel is a non-commercial educational podcast by Radio Azim Premji University.</p><p>Credits:</p><p>Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar</p><p>For a comprehensive list of resources for further exploration, visit our website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel-the-curious-business-of-unconventional-sports">https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel-the-curious-business-of-unconventional-sports</a></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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