Bengaluru , February 14, 2025 – Day two of the Alliance Literary Festival 4.0 (ALF 4.0) featured cricket legend Anil Kumble and Olympian Dr. Anju Bobby George sharing their experiences and encouraging students to pursue sports with passion and determination. The athletes emphasized the importance of grit, resilience, and learning from failure, drawing parallels between sports and life.
Held from February 13-15, 2025, under the theme “The Asian Century,” ALF 4.0 is hosted by Alliance University and features over 120 speakers from more than 25 countries. The festival explores Asia’s growing influence on global culture, politics, economics, and art.
Kumble stressed the importance of preparation, focus, and resilience, stating, “Failure is part of the journey. What matters is how you learn from it and come back stronger.” He likened preparation for sports to studying for an exam, emphasizing the confidence that comes from thorough preparation.
Dr. Anju Bobby George echoed Kumble’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of mentorship and a strong support system. She shared her personal struggles with injuries and emphasized the power of resilience and dedication. “Believe in your abilities, dream big, and work hard to realize those dreams,” she encouraged.
Both athletes underscored the importance of balancing physical fitness with intellectual growth. Dr. Anju noted the profound ways both sports and literature shape society, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to life that combines physical and mental strength.
ALF 4.0 features prominent figures such as Javed Akhtar, Rajdeep Sardesai, Arun Yogiraj, Prayaag Akbar, Asako Yuzuki, and Urvashi Butalia. The festival explores themes including Asia’s economic rise, the success of Asian athletes, migration, diaspora, belonging, environmental challenges, and Asia’s role in shaping the future of education, sports, and innovation.
