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Key Points

Hockey legend PR Sreejesh emphasized how parental support forms the foundation for sporting success. The double Olympic medallist shared his personal journey of choosing hockey in football-dominated Kerala. He connected this to the inclusive spirit of the upcoming Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The 20th edition race offers new participant benefits and registration is now open.

Key Points: Hockey Star PR Sreejesh Urges Parents to Nurture Kids' Sports Dreams

  • Sreejesh links childhood encouragement to sports success
  • Stresses parental role in athlete development
  • Shares Kerala hockey journey against football culture
  • DHM celebrates 20th edition with new participant benefits
2 min read

Grassroots development begins at home: Hockey legend PR Sreejesh

Olympic medallist PR Sreejesh highlights parental role in grassroots sports development at Delhi Half Marathon launch

"Grassroots development begins at home when parents encourage kids to run, play and dream - PR Sreejesh"

New Delhi, July 22

Double Olympic medallist and Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, at the 20th Delhi Half Marathon Registration Launch event, urged parents to encourage their players to "run, play and to dream".

Sreejesh said that the "grassroots development" begins at home.

"I always say that grassroots development begins at home, and when parents encourage kids to run, to play, and to dream, it leads to development," he said.

Encouraging citizens to join the Delhi Half Marathon, sponsored by Vedanta, Sreejesh also spoke about the spirit he observes during DHM each year and how participants, just like him, break barriers and take part in large numbers. "I broke my first barrier when I chose hockey in a football-loving state like Kerala, and every step since then has been about challenging myself, not the world. That is the same spirit I see in the Delhi Half Marathon," he said, according to a release.

To celebrate the 20th edition, PUMA, the events' sports goods partner, will present official Race Day Tees to all registered Half Marathon and 10K participants.

Registration is now open for all race categories - Half Marathon, Open 10K, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizens' Run, and Champions with Disability- at https://vedantadelhihalfmarathon.procam.in/ and will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, September 19, 2025, or earlier if slots are filled.

Virtual Run registrations for the Half Marathon, Open 10K, and Great Delhi Run are also open via the VDHM App until 11:59 pm on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 12th, 2025, and will be flagged off from Delhi's iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate Sreejesh's message, we need better sports infrastructure in schools. Just telling parents to encourage kids isn't enough when most schools don't even have proper playgrounds. Government should act too!
R
Rohit P
Delhi Half Marathon is such a great event! Participated last year and the energy was electric. Will definitely register again. Kudos to Sreejesh for promoting fitness and sports culture in India 🏃‍♂️💨
S
Shreya B
As a mother, I completely agree with Sreejesh. We've enrolled our son in hockey classes after seeing India's Olympic performance. But it's tough balancing sports and studies in our education system. Need more support!
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Vikram M
Great initiative by Vedanta and Procam! Corporate support for sports is exactly what we need. Hope more companies come forward to sponsor such events across India. #FitIndia
K
Kavya N
Sreejesh's story is so inspiring! Choosing hockey in football-crazy Kerala shows real passion. We need more regional sports heroes to motivate local kids. Maybe DHM can have more athlete ambassadors from different states?

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