Selva Prabhu was a teenager when he left his home in Madurai to pursue his dreams in track and field. His journey has now led him to Manhattan, Kansas, a town with a population just over 54,000, affectionately known as ‘Little Apple.’
On January 14, the 20-year-old former Junior World Championship silver medalist took a significant step in his career by joining Kansas State University. This move not only provides him an opportunity to further his education with a degree in English literature but also positions him within the American collegiate sports system, the NCAA, during a critical Olympic cycle that will culminate in the Los Angeles Games.
Prabhu’s path is rare for an Indian athlete, but it is a route that many hope will inspire others, particularly in track and field. Manisha Malhotra, president of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and a former Indian tennis player, shared that they are working to send more athletes abroad, following in Prabhu’s footsteps. “We are in talks with people. Like Selva, we’re sending many of our track and field athletes abroad,” she said.
The NCAA has long been regarded as the gold standard in college sports, and its athletes have made a lasting impact on the global stage. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the NCAA produced more gold medalists (127) than both the United States and China combined. These champions represent not only the U.S. but also a diverse array of countries, including France’s Leon Marchand and St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred. In total, NCAA athletes were part of the Olympic contingents of 125 countries.
The NCAA: A Pathway to Elite Sports and Education
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has long been considered the pinnacle of collegiate sports in the United States, offering a platform for athletes across a wide range of disciplines. The NCAA’s reputation as a powerhouse in sports development is not only limited to producing Olympic champions but extends to nurturing talent in every corner of the globe.
For many international athletes, the opportunity to compete at the NCAA level means access to world-class coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a competitive environment that prepares them for professional and international stages. Take the example of Selva Prabhu, an Indian track and field athlete who recently joined Kansas State University. For Prabhu, the NCAA isn’t just a chance to further his education but also a critical stepping stone toward the Los Angeles Olympics.
“I came here to better myself as an athlete,” Prabhu said, reflecting on his decision to join a U.S. university. “The facilities, the coaching, the level of competition — it all plays a huge role in taking my performance to the next level.”
The significance of this opportunity cannot be overstated. For many athletes, especially those from developing sports nations, an American college education offers a structured route to compete at the highest levels while receiving the support they need for a future beyond sport.
The Desire for More than Just Academic Degrees
While academic programs are an essential part of the college experience, athletes often find that their needs stretch beyond the classroom. At the core of their decision to attend a U.S. institution is the desire to enhance their sport-specific skills, gain exposure to international competitions, and access professional networks that may otherwise be out of reach.
“Education is crucial, but in the world of sports, we need more than just a degree,” says Manisha Malhotra, the president of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), an organization working to help Indian athletes gain access to U.S. college systems. “Athletes are looking for mentorship, for coaching that will develop their skills, and a platform where they can showcase their talents globally.”
This holistic approach to development, where academics and athletics go hand in hand, is something the NCAA offers in abundance. The system provides athletes with resources that support both their physical and intellectual growth, whether through personalized coaching, world-class training facilities, or academic tutoring that allows them to stay on top of their studies while excelling in their sport.
International Athletes and the Power of Global Networking
One of the most appealing aspects of U.S. colleges is the diverse, international environment. For athletes from countries like India, where track and field or wrestling may not have the same level of infrastructure or funding as in the U.S., the opportunity to compete against top-tier athletes from around the world is invaluable.
For instance, NCAA athletes not only compete in the U.S. but often represent their home countries on the international stage. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, NCAA athletes from 125 countries participated, bringing back 127 gold medals—more than the combined total of the United States and China.
This global networking, exposure, and competition are crucial to elevating an athlete’s profile and unlocking opportunities in professional sports or international championships. A U.S. college education thus provides a much-needed bridge between regional competition and the elite international sporting arena.
The Push for Inclusion in More Sports
While track and field athletes have been taking advantage of NCAA scholarships for years, there is an increasing push to expand these opportunities to athletes in other sports. Wrestling, for example, is an area where the U.S. college system is being targeted as a pathway for talent development. Malhotra, along with other sports advocates, is working hard to create a more comprehensive system for athletes in disciplines beyond track and field.
“Wrestling is one area where we are focusing a lot of our efforts,” says Malhotra. “The U.S. has some of the best wrestling programs in the world, and if we can help Indian athletes get the exposure they need through these programs, they will be well-positioned for success.”
This drive to diversify the sports that benefit from the NCAA system is part of a larger effort to create an inclusive, sustainable pathway for athletes from all disciplines, whether emerging or traditional, to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do athletes choose to pursue education in American colleges?
Athletes choose American colleges because they offer a unique combination of high-level academic programs and world-class sports facilities. The NCAA provides athletes with access to expert coaching, competitive environments, and international exposure, which are vital for athletes aiming to reach the highest levels in their sport.
How does the NCAA help athletes develop their skills?
The NCAA is renowned for providing athletes with top-tier training facilities, expert coaching, and access to competitive events at both national and international levels. These resources allow athletes to hone their skills, improve their performance, and prepare for professional careers or international competitions.
Is an American college education only about academics for athletes?
No, for many athletes, the primary motivation is the opportunity to improve their athletic performance. While the education aspect is essential, athletes value the support they receive in their sports, including mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to high-level competition. These factors are often seen as key to reaching their full potential.
What are the benefits of an international athlete joining the NCAA?
International athletes benefit from the global exposure that comes with competing in NCAA events, as well as the opportunity to interact with athletes from various countries. The NCAA provides a platform for athletes to showcase their talent on a global stage, leading to potential career opportunities and connections within their sport.
Are only popular sports like track and field represented in the NCAA, or are other sports also included?
While track and field is one of the most popular sports for international athletes, the NCAA supports athletes across a wide range of sports, including emerging disciplines like wrestling. There is an increasing push to expand opportunities for athletes in lesser-known sports, giving them access to the same resources and exposure as more established athletes.
How do athletes benefit from competing at the NCAA level?
Competing at the NCAA level provides athletes with rigorous training, exposure to elite competition, and a platform to be scouted by professional teams or national sports federations. In addition to sports development, athletes often have access to academic support, helping them balance their studies with their athletic commitments.
Can NCAA participation help athletes reach the Olympics or other international competitions?
Yes, many NCAA athletes go on to compete at the Olympic Games or other international events. The NCAA has a proven track record of developing athletes who succeed on the world stage. For example, Tejaswin Shankar, an Indian high jumper, used his time in the NCAA system to secure a spot at the Olympics.
Conclusion
For athletes around the world, pursuing an education at an American college is about more than just earning a degree—it’s about unlocking a world of opportunities that combine academic excellence with elite athletic development. The NCAA offers a unique environment where athletes can refine their skills, compete at the highest levels, and gain invaluable international exposure, all while receiving a quality education.
For many international athletes, particularly those from countries with emerging sports infrastructure, the American college system provides a critical platform to elevate their careers. The comprehensive support structure—including top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and global networking—empowers athletes to reach their full potential in their sport, whether it be track and field, wrestling, or beyond.
