Olympic Day: Ludhiana's Sporting Community Calls for Action
As the world celebrated Olympic Day on Tuesday, sports experts and athletes in Ludhiana urged the youth to spend more time on playgrounds and less time on their mobile phones. The day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894.
The local sporting fraternity called upon youngsters to participate in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Administrators, coaches, former players, and enthusiasts highlighted the importance of sports in shaping disciplined, healthy, and responsible citizens. They said regular participation in sports promotes physical and mental well-being and provides talented youngsters with opportunities to excel at national and international levels.
Veteran Coach Baldev Singh Emphasizes Transformative Power of Sports
Veteran hockey coach and Padma Shri awardee Baldev Singh said sports has the power to transform lives and instill values such as discipline, dedication, and teamwork. “The state has a rich sporting tradition and youngsters possess immense talent. They should make sports an integral part of their lives and strive to bring glory to the state and the country,” he said.
Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal Neeta: Playgrounds Over Phones
Hockey Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal Neeta said the day is a reminder of the ideals behind the Olympics—excellence, friendship, and respect. “The younger generation should spend more time on playgrounds, rather than on mobile phones and social media. Sports helps develop leadership qualities and prepares individuals to face challenges in life,” Grewal added.
Jagroop Singh Jarkhar: Sports as a Deterrent to Social Evils
Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Charitable Trust chief administrator Jagroop Singh Jarkhar said sports can play a significant role in steering the youth away from social evils and unhealthy habits. He urged parents to encourage their children to take up sports from an early age and provide them with the necessary support.
Punjab Basketball Association: Inspiration from Olympic Achievements
Punjab Basketball Association general secretary Teja Singh Dhaliwal said the achievements of Indian athletes at recent Olympic Games had inspired a new generation to dream big. “With proper infrastructure, coaching, and encouragement, more youngsters from the state can emerge as champions on the world stage,” he added.
The sporting fraternity paid tributes to Olympic athletes whose achievements had inspired millions around the globe. They expressed hope that increasing awareness about the Olympics would encourage more youngsters to pursue sporting excellence and contribute to enhancing the nation's stature.
