India's youth must balance sports and studies, says former Olympian Balbir Singh Senior

Emphasising on the importance of sports, hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior on Friday gave a call to the youth to focus both on study and sports to succeed in life.

Addressing the seminar on 'Career in sports' organised by Sports Department Punjab and Australian Trade Commission on Friday, the Olympian gave whole credit of his success to his teachers, coaches and parents. He said that it was their teachings and blessings that he represented Indian hockey team which won gold medals in 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics.

The nonogenarian proudly shared that in the 1952 Olympics final he shot record five goals which is still a record. Balbir wished to witness his record breaking by a hockey player from Punjab. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Jalandhar Cantonment and former captain of Indian hockey team Pargat Singh said that any target could be achieved with positive thinking and dedication.

He expressed hope that Indian hockey's golden days would return soon as our team was showing good results. Prominent Australian cricketer Melanie Jones encouraged girls to opt sports as career. She said that self confidence plays important role in sports and budding players should not compare themselves with established ones.