How money cost India an Olympic berth in 'Breaking'

Rachael Gunn, the breaker, who gained global notoriety for her unusual performances despite drawing blank at the Paris Olympics after three rounds of competitions, was back in the news last week.

This time, the Olympian, popularly known as B-Girl Raygun, made the news yet again for being ranked the No. 1 breaker amongst women in the world.

When breaking was introduced as an official sport at the Paris Olympics, it marked a groundbreaking moment for the dance community worldwide.

While Gunn’s histrionics and other performances at the Games brought the spotlights on the sport, a stark contrast emerged to the situation in other countries, particularly in India, where breaking is only just beginning to shed its tag of an 'underground sport'.

An expensive qualification process

India’s absence at the 2024 Paris Games raised a myriad questions - mostly about the existence of competitive breakers in the country.

Arif, one of the most prolific breakers in the country, spoke to The Bridge soon after the Olympics to allay the misconception that the breaking culture does not exist in India.

“Because of my relationship with Red Bull India, I attended three events. I'm ranked 50th out of the top 500 B-boys (in the world). If I had attended at least 10 of the 12 events, I could have gone. The top-16 qualify for the Olympics. If I had assurance, I could have done my best and at least stood out.”

And India does have a culture of competitive breaking in the country. While it began as an 'underground sport', mainstream competitions are now a regular feature across the country.

Not very many know that four Indian breakers had qualified for the Asian Games in China in 2023 and had even received their Games accreditation. As per media reports, the sports ministry then pulled the plug owing to a 'not good enough global ranking'.

Breakers, however, repeatedly ask a singular question - 'If we are not in a position to compete internationally, how are we to amass the desired ranking?'

According to Arif, the problem stems from a lack of funds.

“You need around 30 to 35 lakh rupees to attend these events and qualify. India didn’t go there (Olympics) because the breaking infrastructure and support from the Sports Ministry are not there—they’re quite laid back. I don’t think the Sports Ministry is even aware of breaking in India,” he said.

Obtaining a global ranking is an elaborate process and Arif explains the process: “To qualify for an event, you have to be a member of the All India Dance Federation (AIDF) and compete in national qualifiers.

“After winning national qualifiers, you go on to get recognized by the World Dance Sport Federation. It’s ranking-based, and within a span of 15 months, you’ve got to attend a set of international events to maintain your rank. If you miss even one event, your ranking will drop,” said Arif.

And Arif has been following the process diligently.

“Till now, we’ve had about three national qualifiers. I scored one silver and one gold medal, which led to my recognition by the World Dance Sport Federation,” he added.

However, maintaining a competitive rank is a continuous battle and the financial burden of competing internationally is proving an insurmountable hurdle at the moment.

Without adequate funding and recognition, Indian breakers are often forced to rely on personal connections and sponsorships.

Building a community for the future

The challenges notwithstanding, Arif is staying the course and has not turned his back on his own personal competitive ambitions.

“Right now, I’m preparing for the World Final happening in Brazil this December.”

But with breaking not making it to the 2028 Los Angeles roster, Arif is disappointed.

“It was heartbreaking news that there will be no breaking in 2028, but I’m hopeful that they’ll review it for 2032."

Meanwhile, preparing for competition aside, Arif is actively involved in building the breaking community in the country.

“I have my own event coming up called 'The Essence,' which I’ll be hosting in Mumbai. It’s a platform I’ve created for national B-boys to come and compete. We’re doing educational stuff and also having competitions—it’s fun, and it’s a stage for national B-boys to showcase their skills,” he added.

And that is not all, he is a focused on creating more competitors for the future as well.

"I’m going to continue what I’m doing—I’ll create more opportunities. I’m working with B-Boy Kareem from Las Vegas to create an academy in Bhopal specifically for breaking.”

The bureaucratic hurdles and funding woes notwithstanding, Arif's decade-long journey has been one of learning.

And now, with renewed vigour, he is committed to expanding the breaking community in the country.

“I will continue to push breaking to wherever it belongs—as a competitor, as an organizer, and as a representative of this culture.”