Alumni Athlete: Anant Ashutosh Shukla, PGP 2024

Anant Ashutosh Shukla, an accomplished athlete and IIM Bangalore alumnus, has carved a distinctive path by achieving significant success in both the demanding world of management consulting at McKinsey and the highly competitive sport of Lawn Bowls. His dedication recently culminated in a notable victory: securing a gold medal for Delhi at the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand. This achievement builds upon over a decade of commitment to the sport, marked by previous national and international recognition, including a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Championship. This is the inspiring story of Anant, who effectively manages a challenging professional career alongside a deep passion for athletics, demonstrating that excellence can be pursued and achieved across diverse fields.

What was your experience like at the 38th National Games? How did it feel to win gold for Delhi?

On December 5th, 2012, I won my first Bronze Medal for Delhi at the National Lawn Bowls Championship. Over the past 12 years, I have earned numerous bronze, silver, and international medals. Winning the Gold Medal for Delhi at the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand feels like coming full circle. I’m immensely grateful for the journey, the lessons learned, and everyone who supported me along the way. This achievement is truly special.

The National Games is an Olympic-style event organized by the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association. The games were inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, and I had the privilege of meeting the Uttarakhand Chief Minister after winning the gold medal for Delhi. Winning gold at the highest national level was an incredible and thrilling experience.

How does this achievement compare to your previous international competitions?

I have represented India in multiple tournaments and proudly won a bronze medal for our country at the 2018 Asian Championship. I was also a part of the national camp for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. With India’s gold medal win at the CWG in lawn bowls, the sport has gained significant traction. Many states are now investing in building the necessary infrastructure to promote lawn bowls.

You are now an associate at McKinsey while continuing your sports career. How do you manage to balance both demanding commitments?

Balancing my professional career and sports is possible only because of the unwavering support I receive from my workplace, coaches, and the Bowling Federation. Managing both is primarily about discipline. I dedicate most weekends to practice, and although things become hectic during tournaments, winning a medal for your state or country makes all the hard work worthwhile. Ultimately, it’s about passion and motivation — and having people around you who understand and fuel that passion.

How did your time at IIM Bangalore shape your mindset as an athlete and a professional?

My time at IIM Bangalore was transformative, helping me grow both academically and as a sportsperson. The sports infrastructure at IIMB is exceptional. As part of the Sports Council, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of the administration and students in organizing numerous sporting events with enthusiasm and meticulous arrangements.

Running around the beautiful campus everyday was a highlight, and the delicious yet healthy food at the IIMB mess kept me energized. I was that one student you could see having an early morning breakfast and going for an evening run around the campus every day. I think am equally proud of never missing my morning breakfast during my 2 years at IIMB as I am of my academic gold medal :p

You have been competing internationally for some time. How has your journey as an athlete evolved over the years?

I have been playing Lawn Bowls for over 12 years. What started as a fun school tournament gradually evolved into representing Delhi and eventually winning a medal for India at the Asian Championship. The key factor throughout has been consistency. I was fortunate to have my undergraduate education at DTU in Delhi, which allowed me to stay connected with my sport throughout my four years of engineering.

International tournaments require far more preparation than national events. We often undergo 3-4 months of focused training camps, which involve full-day practice sessions. Balancing this with academics and professional commitments has been challenging, but ultimately rewarding.

What key factors contributed to your transition from a bronze medalist at the 37th National Games to winning gold in 2025?

In sports, there are numerous dynamic factors that can turn the game in your team’s favor. We had won a silver medal at the National Championship in February 2025. It was a key motivator — we had lost the final by a single point and were determined to change the color of our medal this time.

However, I believe the most crucial factor was entering the game with the right mindset. Lawn Bowls is a game of concentration and strategy; even your body language plays an important role and can influence your opponent. I believe the team as a whole maintained the right mindset, and we were able to execute our game plan on the field exactly as intended.

What do you think needs to be done to boost awareness and support for Lawn Bowls in India?

Following India’s gold and silver medal wins at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Lawn Bowls has gained significant popularity in India. This was evident as 17 states participated in the National Championship this year.

In my opinion, the challenge is not just awareness but access. Lawn Bowls greens are still underdeveloped in several states. We are actively working with multiple state federations to ensure proper greens (both carpet and grass) are available for players to practice. Additionally, providing access to bowls and related equipment is crucial. While federations have played a key role in supporting new players, involvement from private companies would greatly enhance resources and infrastructure development.

What does this gold medal mean to you at this stage of your career?

This gold medal opens doors for me to represent India at the Asian Championship, which is to be held in the Philippines this year. I have received the invite for the Asian camp; however, I still need to figure out an operating model that works alongside my professional commitments.

Do you see yourself taking an active role in mentoring young athletes or shaping the future of the sport in India?

Absolutely! I am closely associated with the Sports Ministry and actively assist the Bowling Federation of India in their daily operations. I have also coached the Delhi state team for the Khelo India Youth Games.

I have seen many talented students drift away from sports once they start working. I would consider myself successful if I can inspire even a handful of young athletes to continue pursuing their sporting dreams alongside their professional goals.

What advice would you give to IIMB students and young professionals who want to pursue their passion alongside their careers?

There is never a right time to do anything. I am a firm believer in starting things and then figuring out the right answer along the journey. Whether it’s playing a sport, starting a new company, or simply making that connection — start right away and don’t suppress that inner voice. There will definitely be challenges along the way, but it’s better to experience those challenges (and sometimes failures) rather than never experiencing them at all.

Anant’s journey underscores the power of dedication and strategic thinking in achieving excellence across seemingly disparate fields, inspiring aspiring professionals and athletes alike. His story serves as a compelling reminder that passion, when coupled with discipline, can lead to remarkable success in both career and personal pursuits.