SPORTS IS A WAY OF LIFE

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SPORTS IS A WAY OF LIFE

Thursday, 09 May 2019 | Ankita Saxena

SPORTS IS A WAY OF LIFE

On his appointment as the vice president of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association, Dr PN Arora, the managing director of Yashoda Superspeciality Hospitals, in an interview with Ankita Saxena, says that youth's involvement in sports can give a positive direction to the country's growth

What is your vision to further the reach and active participation of Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association?

Our vision is focused; to attract maximum Gold medals in the Olympic Games. Apart from identifying the right players from the state to represent the country, we are ensuring that the players of all Olympic sports get proper training, direction as well as proper diet to help them keep fit and ready. It has been seen that many a time talented players are unable to afford training since they have to support their families which leave them off the selection procedure. For this, we are planning to engage coaches and also tie-up with some stakeholders to generate funds to help the sportspersons bring laurels for the country.

Infrastructure for sports is directly related to the performance of the sportspersons. Does the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association have any plans to develop state-of-the-art facilities in the state?

Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in the country which also translates into a larger responsibility on our part to identify, train and nurture sportspersons. This needs a multi-level and multi-institutional participation. In order to train players we need state-of-the-art infrastructure and training personnel and facilities. As an association we plan to make sure that will cooperation of key stakeholders, facilities are available at the ground level, not only in cities but also in districts and villages to encourage more people to take up sports.

How does the association identify talented players?

We have been organising tournaments from time to time of various levels to provide a platform to the budding players to showcase their skill in a particular sport. Last year, we organized a badminton tournament in Hapur which saw an overwhelming participation from players from all across the country. What was thrilling to see was the number of girls who participated in the event. Such events have become a magnet for sportspersons and it gives us an opportunity to identify the potential players who can be taken under our wing for further training. We will also be advertising the dates of such tournaments in the mainstream media and other channels to ensure that the players are informed about them well in advance.

Given the injuries suffered by various sportspersons, proper medical facilities to tackle them hold very high importance. Do you feel that Uttar Pradesh and by in large the country, needs more hospitals/ divisions dedicated to sports?

As part of an association I realise that we need to facilitate the players in every way possible to help perform at both national and international platforms. I want the players to know that the association is approachable by any player and we will ensure that their medical needs are taken care of. I have three hospitals and can ensure specialised treatments for any type of injury. Those who cannot afford the treatments, I can also offer treatment free of cost. However, injuries are one part of the game while diet is another. It is the association’s responsibility to look into the diet of the players and I am sure we will do our best.

How do you think involvement of youth in sports can benefit the country?

Despite having the largest youth population in the world, India has not been able to realize the full potential of involvement of its youth in sports. I relate sports directly with good health and the development of a state and by in large the country. It is my belief that sports is an important part of one’s life since it teaches discipline, team work spirit of sportsmanship among many other life skills. Even if one decides not to pursue sports as one’s career, it is still important that one should be engaged in playing some game as it benefits the professional aspirations. I think that if one is engaged in an activity, it can arrest many social issues as well. There is a need to change the perception of parents as well towards sports who put pressure on their children to perform in studies and leave sports since it is not a viable career. However, I strongly believe that this can be addressed if all stakeholders come together to work in the same direction.

What are your suggestions to the sportsmen?

The only suggestion to the players is that they should have the dedication and concentration like that of Arjun of the Mahabharata. It has to be a focused approach in order to achieve more medals. For everything else, we are there for them.

Training Ground

Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association is a member of the Indian Olympic Association which is the governing body for the Olympic Movement and the Commonwealth Games in India. As an affiliated member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), the IOA administers various aspects of sports governance and athletes' welfare in the country. In this regard, the IOA oversees the representation of athletes or teams participating in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and other international multi-sport competitions of IOC, CGF, OCA and ANOC. The Indian Olympic Association is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

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