Mumbai: American track and field great Michael Johnson feels that India would be able to excel in sports disciplines other than cricket, with the "right environment, focus and backing".

The five time Olympic champion told NDTV, "If there is right environment, focus and backing there is no reason why Indians cannot excel in sports other than cricket."

Endorsing Johnson's views, his compatriot and legendary 400 M hurdles runner Edwin Moses said, "Youngsters in India should be exposed to all sports like us in the USA, where track and field, even though not as popular as the big team sports like baseball, basketball and football (American) still attracts youngsters."

The American duo were answering a question whether undue focus and sponsorship is directed towards cricket in India.

"It is not a simple process, it won't happen overnight. In USA we had the right environment to excel in sports like track and field. It needs the right focus and dedication," Johnson, the 200/400 M champion in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, said. Moses said, "I agree with Michael. Track and field is too small compared to the three big team sports in America. I learnt the ropes and became great."