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Boundary Lab: Inside the Global Experiment Called Sport

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Sport is a petri dish. In it, society tests not only human limits but also individual and collective attitudes and norms, often before they impact the wider world beyond the boundary.

In its quest for universal rules, organized sport must regularly balance multiple interests and answer difficult questions. This helps sport—and through sport, society—to tweak laws, markets, morals and technological advances. The outcomes of the resulting debates influence the way we live, view each other, and organize our world.

Why should we care about sport and its governance? Within the covers of Boundary Lab lie the answers.

491 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2024

6 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

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Nandan Kamath

4 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Book_withquotes.
627 reviews20 followers
May 9, 2024
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The book focuses mostly on the reasons we engage in sports, watch sports, or do both. As the book comes to an end, there is enough to consider, including the author’s discussion on whether India should submit a bid for the Olympics. This book investigates the topic of threadbare from a holistic, global, and intellectual perspective that is based in Indian sports history. It does this by using the prism of court cases to concentrate on certain topics and give the background for the debate.

The well crafted chapters provide a wealth of important insights on both on and off the field activities. This book is fantastic; it highlights our potential and our identity as a society through the lens of sport. As readers, Nandan Kamath does a fantastic job of breaking down sports into a lot more understandable and palatable format.

The story of how Indian sport has changed over the past several decades is comprehensive. And why, in spite of all its shortcomings, it merits a shot. The appeal of this book lies in the way the author addresses these issues in a way that is universally understandable and much more straightforward.

Profile Image for Sumit RK.
1,261 reviews547 followers
May 14, 2024
Sports have been a part of human history since prehistoric times. From something looked upon as an activity of leisure, Sports has evolved to a multi-billion-dollar industry of 'Organised Sports'. In ‘Boundary Lab’, Nandan Kamath takes a deeper look at the different aspects of the modern sport today; from sports bodies, the revenue that drives modern sports and much more.

The book starts with how forces like law, norms, market and architecture began to shape sports into its modern form. Each chapter starts with an intriguing question and examines the answers; exploring a different aspect of the Sport. For eg: ‘Should we hold separate women’s chess events?’ exploring how categorisation and classification of competitors takes place and whether gender segregation is essential’. From the evolution of sport governing bodies to the role of sponsors and broadcasters, from the question of autonomy and law applicability to the increasingly complex revenue models of the sport and agreements of the players, this book covers a variety of different facets in a manner that’s both fascinating and enlightening. It also takes a look at some of the grey areas in sports from invasion of privacy, on field injuries and regulation of on-field activities. In conclusion, it raises the question of a sustainable approach for development of sports infrastructure.

Though the book covers the evolution of sports in general, It is mainly focused on Indian sports. The author has painstakingly researched the historical background of several topics from sports administration to broadcast deals to give you a complete picture. The book has a lot of focus on the legal aspects including the legal battles around a particular issue, be it the authority to a governing body or the legality of sports deals.

The best thing about the book is the way it simplifies the most complex topics in a manner, every reader can understand. Revenue models or legality of betting are inherently complex topics to understand. But the author has deconstructed each aspect helping you understand even the minute details of each aspect. As a suggestion, I would have loved it if the author had presented a more detailed roadmap on how Indian sport bodies can evolve to become more professionally managed like in the West and how we as a society, can change our outlook to Sports in general.

Overall, Boundary Lab is a deeply fascinating and insightful look at the world of sports, beyond the playing field. With deep research and unmatched insights, this book is a must read for every sports lover.

Profile Image for Debabrata Mishra.
1,642 reviews44 followers
May 14, 2024
"Boundary Lab - Inside the Global Experiment called Sport" by Nandan Kamath offers a profound exploration of the intricate landscape of sports. Through his careful analysis and the asking of relevant questions, he reveals the complex nature of sports and shows the readers the dynamics and the social impact of sports.

Every chapter shows a path to various dimensions of sports, from the importance of referees to why sports betting is illegal in India. Along with it, the skill and innovation presented by the players like Dhanraj Pillay, Dhoni and Kohli. The author's careful analysis makes people to question their views about sports, which is a new way of looking at it, and the connection between the sport, the organization and the society.

The book bravely goes into the fields of the issues like integrity and justice, which are the key topics of the match-fixing scandals and athlete rights. He meritoriously talks about Azharuddin's match fixing saga and charges in a in depth manner. With the complexity and evenness, he goes through these moral conflicts, thus, providing the readers a wider view of the ethical problems that are always present in the sports world.

The well-written chapters are full of the thinking on and off-the-field activities thus giving the readers a complete picture of how Indian sports have evolved from the decades. The main reason why this book is a must read for anyone involved in sports and society is the fact that he has succeeded in explaining these problems in a way that is comprehensive for all.

In conclusion, it is a well-researched, intellectual book that gives valuable information about the sports world. The book is for both the casual viewers and the dedicated fans, it will give you more information and better understanding of sports, and it will be the book that you must-read for the people who are interested in the topic.
Profile Image for DarkFantasyReviews.
1,321 reviews40 followers
May 14, 2024
"Boundary Lab" isn't your typical story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Instead, Nandan Kamath really digs deep into everything you didn't know about the world of sports - from the players' skills and the money involved, to the personal talents and teamwork. The book even shines a light on the not-so-glamorous parts like corruption, giving you a full picture of what really goes on behind the scenes in the sports world.

"Boundary Lab" may not have characters in the usual way, but it brings sports to life in a whole new light. Kamath really captures the essence of sports as a lively being with many different sides. His writing makes it easy for everyone to understand, and his experiences as a lawyer and sports entrepreneur really add some weight to his ideas. This book really makes you stop and think about how sports can shape society and inspire change.

The book is all about the beauty of sports, the mix of luck and skill, and how athletes and events are turned into big business. Kamath uses storytelling, analysis, and personal stories to get his point across, using literary tools like metaphors and comparisons to link sports with life. "Boundary Lab" keeps a good pace, giving plenty of detail but also telling a good story. The way it's organized makes sense, leading readers through all aspects of sports in a way that's interesting and makes you think. It's easy to read, with clear and simple writing that anyone, whether you're a sports fan or just curious, can enjoy.

"Boundary Lab" is an awesome book that really dives deep into the world of sports. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about sports, this book offers some valuable insights that will make you appreciate the game even more. Definitely a must-read for anyone looking to understand sports on a whole new level!
Profile Image for Mousumi.
103 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2024
Since my childhood, cricket and football were the anthems that echoed through our home. My dad, a devoted fan of the indian 11 and an ardent supporter of Brazil, never missed a single match and would remain glued to the same spot during a crucial match. In those moments, I learnt that a sport is a bond of shared passion and not just a game.


From the struggle to legitimize bodybuilding as a sport by the former Mr. India Amit Chaudhary to the impact of political agendas within sports governing bodies (SGBs), the book dived into every facet of competitive sports with rich context and compelling evidence.
It explored the contentious issue of deliberate fouls by players aimed at causing harm to others. It questioned whether such actions should be perceived as an accepted risk inherent in competitive sports or warrant criminal prosecution. Additionally, the book among many other things, addressed the shifting landscape of gender binary and the evolution of testosterone-based femininity tests, unveiling the loopholes that led to significant changes over time.

After completing this piece, I can confidently say that its one of a kind. There’s always been talks about how Indian sports has been marred with politics, favouritism and a plethora of other issues beyond the game itself. This book gives the reader blatant proof of their existence. I loved the author's use of real-life case studies featuring well-known sports figures to bolster his arguments. An absolute must read !
56 reviews9 followers
May 12, 2024
"Boundary Lab - Inside the Global Experiment called Sport" by Nandan Kamath is a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate tapestry that is the world of sports. Through a series of probing questions, Kamath delves deep into the essence of sport, unraveling its multifaceted nature and uncovering the underlying threads that shape our understanding of fair play, organization, and societal values.

Each chapter of the book serves as a window into a different facet of sports, from the meaning behind events like Mr. India's participation to the intricacies of skill and innovation exemplified by players like Dhoni and Kohli. Kamath's meticulous analysis prompts readers to reevaluate their perceptions of sports, challenging conventional wisdom and shedding light on the complex dynamics at play both on and off the field.

Moreover, "Boundary Lab" ventures into controversial territories such as integrity and justice, addressing issues like match-fixing scandals and the rights of athletes like Anwar Ali. By navigating through these moral quagmires with nuance and insight, Kamath offers readers a deeper understanding of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the world of sports.

In essence, "Boundary Lab" is a captivating read that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports literature. Kamath's compelling narrative and incisive commentary make this book essential reading for anyone interested in unraveling the intricate web of sports and society.
Profile Image for Madiha Reads.
841 reviews14 followers
May 26, 2024
Sport lovers will definitely enjoy this book as it's packed with information they'll find fascinating. It's filled with details and topics that will grab their attention.

For me, it was tough to get into because I'm not really into sports. I prefer fiction books, but I decided to give this one a try to explore new topics. Even though it wasn't my usual genre, I wanted to broaden my interests. It's important to try new things and step out of your comfort zone sometimes.

From this book, I gained a lot of new knowledge. The author asks many questions to understand sports deeply. He reveal different aspects of sports, like how they're organized and what values they represent in society. It's like unraveling a mystery to understand the true essence of sports and their significance.

The author helps readers understand the ethical challenges in sports. He explain the tough decisions athletes and organizers face. By reading this book, you'll gain insight into the moral issues involved in sports, giving you a deeper understanding of the dilemmas that arise in the sports world. This book will impart valuable lessons to readers. Reading it will provide a wealth of learning and offer valuable perspectives that can be applied in various aspects of life.
Profile Image for Shweta.
619 reviews25 followers
May 26, 2024
Boundary Lab: Inside the Global Experiment Called Sport explores the complex interrelationships between society and sports, showing how sports may be used as a microcosm to test social norms, human limits, and attitudes.

The book tackles difficult issues that have an impact on society as a whole as well as the realm of sports, with a focus on the role that organised sports have played in creating universal norms.

One of the main ideas of the book is the way that sports governance includes juggling competing interests and navigating heated debates, all of which have an impact on laws, markets, morality, and technical advancements.

Sports and society are always changing via these debates and choices, influencing how we live, relate to one another, and organise our global community.

Since sports governance reflects larger societal issues and has the potential to significantly impact numerous aspects of our lives, the author presents a strong case for the significance of comprehending and caring about sports governance.

This book is a worthwhile read for anybody curious about the workings of sports and how they affect society because it provides perceptive viewpoints and provocative insights about the relationship between governance and sports.
Profile Image for Vaibhavi Bhoirekar.
112 reviews
May 7, 2024

“Cometh the hour, Kamath the man”… reading this very first line you can gauge the passion of the man behind this book.
The book is divided into 20 chapters. Each title is a question and reading it at the end it will make you think and analyse the answer for it.
Every chapter is justifying the thought of authors point of view. Mr. Kamath have detailed it with facts and all possible pros and cons.
History of every sport is briefly introduced in the book. The subtle introduction of the background and story about every sport is the best part. I got aware of many unknown facts of certain sports and infact many sports which I was unaware about.
For Eg: Pickleball – My ex-colleague has expanded this sport in India on next level. His continuous social media sharing made me curious about it and from this book I got to know how it got his name 😊
Role of international sports associations, their contribution towards sports, politics around these sports, challenges faced by many sportsmen is thoughtfully briefed in the book.
I loved the clear facts are spreadout and this book will definitely help someone who is trying to gain major in mass media/sports domain.
Great book!
377 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2024


In a country like India where we consider the sports equivalent to religion. But we only know and see what happens at the ground, and we don't think beyond that.

This book, which captures your attention from the first line itself, takes you to the 360 journey of the game. From scandals to law, this book takes you to the complete journey.

The author has talked and shed light on major sports. Despite the book talking about so many facets of sport but the way he has explained everything is really amazing. The author didn't use gibberish , however, he keeps things quite easy to understand for the readers. The book also shares the details about the stadiums and other scandals as well. The book has short graphics, which indeed make the reader inquisitive about all those questions. Written with simplicity, and talked about depth of sports. This book will answer so many deep questions about sport.

I love the fact that every single chapter of the book shares different information and can easily be read as an individual chapters.
This book would be a perfect read for sports lovers and for someone who wishes to know more about sports.
136 reviews15 followers
May 8, 2024
This book had me completely captivated from the very beginning. One aspect that really stood out to me was how the author explored the intricate relationship between sports and society.

Being a sports lover I could easily relate with all the things, while reading I was so curious to go deeper and know the insights of the game, this book definitely increased my knowledge of sports in extreme way.

I also loved how the book highlighted the ways in which sports can challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what we think is possible. It's like they create this whole new space where we can question and redefine our beliefs and values. It's pretty mind-blowing, if you ask me!

One specific moment that really resonated with me was when the book discussed the historical significance of the Olympic Games. It shed light on how this global event has been used as a platform to address political and social issues throughout history. It made me realize the immense power that sports can have in bringing people together and sparking important conversations.
Profile Image for Melina Lobo.
818 reviews94 followers
May 5, 2024
"Boundary Lab" by Nandan Kamath is an engaging book that delves into various aspects of the sports world, including sports betting in India and the country's stadiums. Although I'm not a big sports fan and don't usually watch sports, I found learning about how sports operate in India to be really interesting.

Kamath explains things in detail, which was surprising. Even though I wasn't initially keen on reading more than one chapter at a time, the diverse topics kept me engaged. I appreciated how the author didn't make readers feel inferior for not knowing certain things, and instead encouraged learning and understanding the deeper dynamics of the industry, which is essential even for casual viewers or fans.

While the book didn't suddenly turn me into a sports enthusiast, it did enhance my understanding of sports. Now, I feel more confident joining conversations about the sports world. Additionally, it would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in the topic.
Profile Image for Ahana✨.
56 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2024
Book - Boundary lab
Rating - 5

So I came across this new book “Boundary Lab”. Honestly, I have been trying to get into sports for a long time to understand its background, politics and issues people and players face and trust me
Nandan Kamath knew what he was doing while writing this precious book. He provides some really interesting insights into the world of sports. His book explores the problematic and ever-changing nature of sports, shining a light on aspects that are often overlooked.
He really does an incredible job of simplifying this concept, making the book handy for newbies like me.
It addresses various questions about the structure and regulations of sports and how they affect both players and sports lovers which helps to connect and understand the depth of several popular sports like cricket, etc.
It's a very one-of-a-kind book and people who are involved or trying to understand from basics will find this book a valuable asset.
Profile Image for Shreya.
395 reviews19 followers
May 3, 2024
I'm a big fan of sports so I can vouch for this, Nandan Kamath knows what he's talking about. Sports is a big deal for a country like India so it's necessary we know what it actually is about. Turns out, sports in general go way deeper and are more complex than what we think it is. (I was surprised just as much)

Now all of us have had great many questions when it comes to sports like cricket, basketball, football and it's structures and rules and how they came to be and how they influence both the sportspersons and the audience. This book answers them all for you.

Sports is complex. Sports is intricate and detailed and dynamic. Nandan Kamath does an excellent job explaining the sports to us, the readers in a much simpler and digestible form. Even sports beginners and actual sportspersons will love this book!

Regarding this book, no complaints
Profile Image for Swarnima Sen.
104 reviews
May 26, 2024
A rich, detailed account of how sports is crucial to the society at large and that it is much more than an event in which sportspersons compete against each other to achieve the award. In fact, sports and governance is intertwined. I really liked how the author has demonstrated the importance of sports by highlighting crucial case studies, events, court cases and so on. A huge recommend for every sports enthusiasts!
Profile Image for Harish Vaidyanathan.
19 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2024
Interesting, first-principles based take on what makes sport. Spans the definition of sport, the regulation, self-governance, justice etc. And coming at it from a legal standpoint makes the reading enjoyable. Giving it a 3* because I struggled to read every "case" in detail and just don't have the eye for this level of detailing.

That said, this is a very different take on sport and opened my eyes to the myriad of things that we take for granted in sport.
Profile Image for Shivanand.
13 reviews
July 28, 2024
A thoughtful exploration of sport as business, as organized crime, as cultural phenomenon, as social glue and as endless source of profits…

A gold mine for lovers of trivia (England played France in the Olympics’ only cricket game!)

The closing thoughts really resonated - how can we turn India from a nation of spectators and commentators into a nation of players?
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