With the Beijing Olympics behind us, the Common- wealth Games ahead of us and cricket with us all year round, there is now a newfound demand for opportunities in sportscasting. Sportscasting, which refers to a variety of inter-related careers, including sports commentary, sports reporting and sports presentation, can be a very challenging career.

Sports presentation
This is perhaps the most recognised and approachable avenue of the three. A sports presenter hosts regular shows on television and talks about various aspects related to the sport. Says Padamjeet Sehrawat, runner-up of the ESPN dream job hunt and anchor of the show Paddying Up on Zee Sports, "Sports presentation is a thrilling job. This is something that you can turn into a profession, as opposed to sports commentary, which can, at best, can only be a temporary career in a country like India."

Sports commentary
In complete agreement with Sehrawat is renowned football commentator and expert Novy Kapadia. He says, "In India, only if you are associated with crick- et can you make it big as a sports commentator Otherwise, the scenario is very dismal."

Kapadia has his reasons to make such a statement. More often than not, sports channels only broadcast cricket on a regular basis and some specific sporting event, if it is big in terms of viewership. In which case, says Sehrawat, there are feeds and commentary from international professionals. In such a situation, there is barely space for Indian commentators to get a word in edgeways.

Therefore, it is better to make your name as a freelancer to get more work, advises Kapadia.

Skills required
There's a basket of skills required if one wants to be a successful sportscaster. "You need to be blessed with a good voice and have the ability to communicate well.