5 non-cricketing sportspersons who cited MS Dhoni as a big inspiration ft. Swapnil Kusale
Former India World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni is an inspiration to one and all, and not exclusively for athletes. However, athletes can relate more to the iconic figure through their journey involving blood, sweat, and tears.
The life of an athlete is hardly easy, and the difficulty level rises when you are an Indian athlete not involved with cricket. Battling through little recognition despite hard work, they have to achieve something astronomical to become prominent.
Inspiration is important for such athletes fighting hard for glory and struggling to make a name for themselves. It ignites a drive and carves a path depending on the person chosen as an inspiration. Luckily, emerging athletes, be it from cricket or any other sport, are not short when it comes to role models.
Among several decorated sporting personalities the nation has produced, MS Dhoni is a popular choice to be inspired by. The legendary cricketer's achievements coming from a small town, coupled with his calm demeanor and insight are hard not to be attracted to.
On that note, let us take a look at five non-cricketing sportspersons who cited MS Dhoni as a big inspiration.
#1 Swapnil Kusale
The 28-year-old sports shooter made the nation proud by securing a bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle three positions event during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following his triumph, he cited MS Dhoni as his inspiration and stated how their journeys are similar since Kusale is also a ticket collector with the Indian Railways like Dhoni was.
"I don't follow anyone specific in the shooting world. Outside of that, I admire Dhoni for the person that he is. My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field. I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was," Kusale told PTI
#2 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
The 23-year-old shuttler endured a heartbreaking exit in the men's doubles quarter-final in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, he can be proud of how he and his partner fought in the incredible contest that went into the third set.
In the past, Rankireddy has referred to MS Dhoni as one of his inspirations along with fellow Olympian Neeraj Chopra, and the tennis great, Roger Federer.
"Neeraj bhaiya has been extremely friendly; we met him during the Asian Games. Outside India, I admire Roger Federer and his calmness. And obviously, Mahendra Singh Dhoni also for his calmness," Satwiksairaj Rankireddy told PTI
#3 Uttam Singh
MS Dhoni's heroics have even impacted the younger generation, as Team India junior hockey captain Uttam Singh named the former wicketkeeper his inspiration.
"I am a big fan of MS Dhoni. Whether he is chasing 400 runs, or defending 100 runs, he remains cool. Spectators feel the pressure in nail-biting situations, but he does not. Never," he told PTI in 2023
"He (Dhoni) is an inspiration for all the players. I have learnt from him that your opponent or anybody should never know what is going inside you during a match. I am happy that he has decided to play in the IPL next year too," he added
#4 Caster Semenya
MS Dhoni's abilities and heroics go beyond the Indian borderline, and overseas athletes have also used him as an inspiration to push themselves and achieve their goals.
One such example is South African athlete Caster Semenya, who won the gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. She was inspired by Dhoni's journey after watching his biopic back in 2017 and tweeted:
"@msdhoni i have just watched your film.. Inspiring story it is.. #msdhoniuntoldstory... Salute..
#5 Manav Thakkar
Young India paddler Manav Thakkar had also referred to MS Dhoni as his inspiration. He held the No.1 rank at the U-21 Men's level and is now a part of the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"India cricketer MS Dhoni is my role model, I like him very much. He is a cool and calm sportsperson and also very hardworking; I want to be like him," Manav Thakkar said in an interview in 2020.