Playing sports has gone out of fashion: Ajay Jadeja

By Rajesh Ahuja, New Delhi, Nov 4 : Lamenting that playing sports, an essential ingredient of one's life, had gone out of fashion nowadays, Former Indian cricketer and sports commentator Ajay Jadeja today stressed the need to revive the habit of playing sports for a better personality development of every individual.

''Playing sports has sadly gone out of fashion today. With little or no physical activity, children today have become social recluses,'' Jadeja said at an event aimed at imbibing 'active play' in the lifestyle of the kids.

Speaking at a press meet to promote the pioneering initiative by the Nickledeon channel aimed at reviving among kids the habit to play outdoors, Jadeja said, ''I think sports is an important part of every individual's life. Unfortunately, children are seen to indulge in little or no physical activity with most of their time occupied in television, computers and their homework.'' Attributing the lack of physical activity among kids to the lack of active involvement by parents with their kids' life, Jadeja said, ''as a child I remember my father being always out on the field with me. Unfortunately, parents today do not have time to spend with their children on the field with the result that most kids do not go out and play. Also, most parents today see sports as just another area of achievement.

However, more than that sports is an important part of one's life. Infact, for me, there is no better life than sports.'' Lauding the initiative by Nickledeon, the former cricketer said, ''being a sportsperson, I completely understand the need and the importance of physical activity for kids as well as adults.

'Let's just Play' is a pioneering initiative that I truly support.

In an internet and PSP struck world of today, sports has become even more important. In my contribution to the movement, I am appealing to each parent and kids alike to take 'Let's Just Play' as a personal challenge and ensure that they spend at least an hour playing outdoors everyday.'' 'Let's Just Play' is an extensive six week initiative that will culminate into a nationwide first of its kind play-a-thon. As part of this initiative, massive ten hour play-a-thons will be organised in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad on November 7 which will culminate in a grand finale from 4 pm onwards.

Talking about the initiative, the general manager and senior vice president of Nick India, Nina Elavia Jaipuria said,''through this initiative, we strive to go beyond just entertainment. Nick is deeply concerned about the issue of lack of play in lives of kids and is pulling out all stops to inspire as many kids and parents as possible. The playathon is a step in the direction of changing the lifestyle of our future generations forever.''

--UNI

(c) 2009 Published with permission from United News of India.
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