National Sports Day: Celebrities share the importance of sports in schools today

From making sports a subject, to supporting budding athletes, celebrities share various ways sports can be encouraged in the country at school level. Nobody can deny the importance of sports for overall wellbeing of a child. Therefore irrespective of gender, every child should be encouraged to play sports and keep themselves fit. According to research, playing sports is beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing and keeps one physically healthy and mentally active. It increases self – confidence, self-esteem and mental awareness. According to some celebrities, sports have transcended borders and reached a global audience through media, thereby resulting in an inclusive and diverse community of athletes and fans. Read more of Celebrities speaking about the importance of teaching sports in schools:

Simple Kaul
I think sports should be incorporated as an important subject in schools because fitness is very important. In Delhi and North India, sports are very important and schools have a lot of different kinds of sports activities which I haven't seen in Bombay schools as such. You are mentally and physically fit because you are playing all the time, burning out and you are enjoying burning out the calories. So, I think it's a good thing for everyone, every age group and it should be promoted a lot. Of course, sports have evolved a lot over a period of years and because of the Internet, there's a lot more awareness. But, because we have mobiles and we have so much information available on the internet, people do not play as much as they used to play. So that's a very sad thing that has happened.  I had physical education as a subject, as a 6th subject. I just loved sports.

Farnaz Shetty :
In day-to-day life I also think sports plays a very important role to keep your hormones and everything, your physical health in balance. There are a lot of government schools and organizations who are supporting talented kids, hard working kids for their interest.  I feel that it's really, really important and people are taking it seriously these days. Sports definitely have evolved over the period of time. but I still feel that India needs to support our athletes and we should provide maximum facilities for our sportsmen who are working hard towards their skill. We should support them in getting the right food, lifestyle, and equipment. There is a higher possibility that since Indian genes are very strong, the immune system is very strong. I feel we could do wonders if we provide everything to our sportsmen.

Lokit Phulwani :
Schools can incorporate sports and fitness into daily routines, offering diverse activities that cater to students’ interests and abilities. Governments can invest in sports facilities accessible to both schools and the public, ensuring long-term access. Sports has undergone significant evolution over the years, adapting to societal changes and technological advancements. Sports have transcended borders, reaching a global audience through media, resulting in a diverse and inclusive community of athletes and fans. My all time favourite sport is Cricket. During my college days I used to play and play very well. Before acting my preference / passion was cricket. There's something truly special about cricket that resonates with fans and makes it a favourite sport for many.

Sneha Jain
Government schools, organisations, they're doing amazing. Actually, I've been a part of them, so happy that even in my time, there were classes for sports, and taking you out for competition and promoting so much of sports. And from there only, I've got to know so many things about sports. So, I think it's very good. People are coming from different backgrounds, representing our country. There's no gender inequality. I think with sports and everything we are evolving very amazingly.  The future impact I think is pretty good. It's going to teach the upcoming generation that there is no gender inequality. It's all about whatever you want to do, go, work hard, do it. My favourite sport is Taekwondo. I have also learnt it and I got a silver medal on district level. But then because of a few things, I have to just leave it. But I think if the situation was not there, then today, I was still pursuing it too.

Anupama Solanki:
Sometimes I feel why we are so far from sports. We Indians have only one focus and that is only cricket. Why not Kabaddi? Why not hide and Seek? Why not Kho Kho? Why not football, Hockey, Badminton. I am asking people, did you ever go for any of them to see? Maximum people will say yes but I am again asking when? So, the answer will be yes, we saw in school days. I feel nobody is perfect but somewhere there is a lack of awareness missing from our Indian society. Yes, there is no doubt in the last few years we have evolved but still we are too far and we need more upgrades( we are AI world ). I was state level champion in Kho Kho and Kho Kho was my favourite but I lacked guidance and no future in the game. Like our family says, ‘Padoge likhoge banoge nawab kheloge kudoge banoge kharab’, but nowadays it is the reverse of this quote. 

Sheeba Akashdeep:

Government schools and organisations can work together to make sports and fitness the part of curriculum. There should be space and parks and land for the people to pursue sports. There should be scholarships for the people who cannot afford the right nutrition and the right shoes and the right equipment. There should be so much more that should be happening from the level of schools and government. Individuals, there are plenty who are  now running organisations and they promote sport and they promote culture. In schools, PT should not be just like one subject, once a week. It should be a mandatory tested subject every single day. People are getting a lot more aware. Alot of our Indian sportsmen are now world figures who are competing on international levels and extremely well. India is now on the world map of sports and fitness and it has changed and we have, like I said, a lot of individuals who are encouraging on their own individual level. They try to promote sports in our country.  

Aditya Deshmukh:
I believe that sports hold a unique significance. Every student, whether in school or college, becomes a part of it. They focus on individual talents rather than just all-round abilities. Back in school, my interest leaned towards cricket, and while I had a liking for badminton, college led me to explore it more. However, my passion for cricket was unwavering. Those school cricket days, where I found my stride as a batsman, are etched in my memory. Cricket holds a special place for me, and its evolution, especially the IPL, has been astonishing. Our time witnessed the rise of T20 and the unexpected growth of the Indian Premier League, surpassing expectations. Badminton too, with players like Saina Nehwal and Sindhu, gained new prominence, personally admiring Saina's grace on the court. Cricket remains a personal favourite, with heroes like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Dhoni inspiring me. It was my forte in the locality, playing alongside my elder brother, cousins, and nephew. Sports evoke indescribable emotions, and among them, cricket and badminton are particularly dear to me.

Sumit Khetan:
National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the significance of sports and physical well-being in our society. Collaborative efforts by governments, educational institutions, and organisations are vital to cultivate an enduring sports and fitness culture that extends beyond this day. The evolution of sports is remarkable, witnessed through innovations like the Indian Premier League in cricket. Looking ahead, I hope sports continue to inspire and bring communities together, fostering discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle. Looking ahead, I hope sports continue to inspire and bring communities together, fostering discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.

Karishma Raj Soni:
National Sports Day serves as a pivotal reminder of the significance of sports in our society. Governments, educational institutions, and organisations can forge an enduring sports culture by implementing comprehensive physical education policies, upgrading sports facilities, and organising regular inter-school and inter-community tournaments. This collaboration can extend the benefits of sports beyond just a single day. The evolution of sports is astounding, with a shift towards inclusivity, technological advancements, and greater recognition for athletes.


Rohit Choudhary :
It’s been a long, that our nation needs to start focusing on sports. Making posters and adverts isn’t enough to shout that we are a sports supportive nation. Our endeavours must be from grass root levels. From the day a child goes to school and begins his reading and writing skills. He must also be taught sportsmanship. That’s possible only through mediums of games.So, the government should first work on those and utilize the funds allocated for sports. We should not just focus on one game but other games also.  If we talk about how much India is involved, how much the government is involved, I don't think there's any difference. So, if they have done a little, they have done it for their own benefit. Moreover, I don't see any improvement in the name of doing things, whatever has been done by any sportsman, they have done it on their own, with their own expenses, with their own efforts or the effort of that sports person who is bringing medals for the country. I am a sportsman, so I like all sports. But if you're talking about the best one, without any doubt, it's swimming. In my opinion, it's the best exercise, involving the entire body. It's practically hassle-free; swimming doesn't require many things. All you need is a swimsuit and a swimming pool. It's the only injury-free sport, and everyone should learn and practice it in their life.

Aradhana Sharma
Schools can integrate physical education into the curriculum, emphasising its importance for holistic development. Governments and organisations can collaborate to build and maintain sports facilities, making them accessible to the public beyond just schools. I can see significant evolution over the years as sports have become highly professionalised, with athletes, coaches, and support staff dedicating their lives to training and competition. Sports have the power to address social issues, promote equality, and drive positive change in society and towards global unity and cultural exchange too. Badminton, my favourite sport, is a captivating blend of agility, strategy, and precision. My initial inspiration, Saina Nehwal’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim serves as a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.