India-Centric Athlete Career Transition Framework: Socio-Cultural Dimensions and Institutional Imperatives

Abstract

Athlete retirement in India presents a complex transition marked by psychological dislocation, socio-cultural pressures, and institutional neglect. Unlike structured athlete career transition systems in countries like Australia or the UK, India lacks a unified framework that addresses the socio-political, financial, and identity-based challenges athletes face after retirement. Existing global models often fail to translate effectively within India’s unique context of caste hierarchies, gender norms, and collectivist family structures.This paper responds to a critical gap in the Indian sports ecosystem by proposing an India-centric, culturally grounded athlete career transition framework. Drawing on thematic synthesis of international best practices and integrating primary insights on Indian institutional, familial, and socio-cultural dynamics, the study identifies four dimensions of reform: individual-level capacitation, relational and family empowerment, institutional governance, and socio-cultural reconstruction. Particular attention is given to the compounded marginalization of Dalit women athletes, the fiscal dominance of cricket, and the absence of caste- and gender-sensitive retirement support.