Madan Lal, Satpal urge youth to play sports

Advocating playing sports will lead to a healthy and successful life, iconic wrestler turned coach Satpal and former Indian cricketer Madan Lal on Wednesday urged the youth not to lose focus and work hard to achieve goals.

Addressing PHD Global Sports Convention-2015 - "Sports for All: The Paradigm Shift" organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on the occasion of International Youth Day, Madan Lal, a member of the 1983 World Cup winning squad, advised the youngsters not to eye any goals keeping in mind the financial benefits only.

"At a young age it is very important to be focused. Not only in sports, in whatever targets you have set, you must work hard for it," he said.

"Play any sport you like and it will not only keep you fit but also make you mentally stronger and healthier."

Padma Bhushan award winner Satpal, who coaches India's only double individual Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, said that the central and state governments and corporate houses must support young sportspersons.

The 1982 Asian Games champion bemoaned the fact that in India, only established sportspersons are given all the facilities and benefits.

Youth Affairs Secretary Rajeev Gupta said that the Indian government has been promoting multiple sports through various channels and called upon the youth to take advantage of them to excel in the world of sports.

Among others who were prsent at the evnt were High Commissioner of New Zealand Grahame Morton, PHD Chamber president Alok B. Shriram, former marathon runner Sunita Godara, para athletes Deepa Malik and Amit Saroha and table tennis player Neha Aggarwal.

Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Sports Secretary Ajit M. Sharan didn't turn up for the convention.