‘PROUD OF ALL THESE PEOPLE STEPPING UP’

Says former American basketball star Robert Horry about all the sportspersons who are taking a political stand

You just got to sit back and say to yourself, ‘This is what I came here to do. This is what I am going to do’. When I was playing, I was in a better time because there was no social media. There was less scrutiny. ROBERT HORRY, FORMER BASKETBALL PLAYER

Having a career that lasted longer than 10 years — there are a lot of sportspersons that don’t play longer than five to six years — getting to the National Basketball Association (NBA), and winning championships,” is what former American basketball player Robert Horry considers his top three career milestones. On his second visit to India, to train prospects and interact with fans at the NBA Academy India, NCR, he talks about perseverance, not letting complacency set in and the importance of speaking up.

Was it hard or was it natural to reach your full potential as a sportsperson?

It was very hard because complacency can creep in. Just because you are able to go out and make 20 jumps in a row doesn’t mean you are good. I had some moments in my career where I would walk on the court and feel, ‘Oh, I’m the best one out here’. But then, you go on another court and you could be the worst player out there. You cannot get complacent because there’s someone out there working harder than you. So, you got to keep pushing yourself to be an elite player.

Which habits of yours have been instrumental in shaping your career?

It’s just about realising your goals and trying to achieve them because a lot of times people say, ‘Oh! I want to be a great shooter’. But are you willing to put that time and effort in the gym to become a great shooter? Everything that I tried to do in my life, I put in the time and effort to try and get better at it.

How do you mentally overcome setbacks?

You just got to sit back and say to yourself, ‘This is what I came here to do. This is what I am going to do’. When I was playing, I was in a better time because there was no social media. There was less scrutiny.

Your thoughts on sportspersons refusing to keep silent about political issues.

You have to be able to believe in your freedom of speech. You have to believe in yourself and your views. I’m really proud of all these people stepping up. When I was playing, we didn’t come along because it was detrimental to us in many ways. But now, if you’re an athlete, it doesn’t mean that you have to keep quiet.

Your advice to youngsters?

Learn your craft. You want to be a doctor or a teacher — it is extremely important to learn your craft and indulge in it. You have to get involved and learn as much as possible, and go for it.