The initiative will push for the inclusion of sports in the school curriculum, hoping that this will make parents encourage their children to take up sports.
When India grabbed second spot in the Commonwealth Games medal tally last year, the run-up to which had largely been besmirched by allegations of corruption and inefficiency, interest in sports other than cricket was rekindled in the country.
To harness this interest and discover new Saina Nehwals and Manjeet Kaurs while inculcating the culture of fitness in the general population, a city builder and a leading TV news channel have together launched the 'Marks for Sports’ initiative.
Dharmesh Jain, chairman and managing director of Nirmal Lifestyle and a fitness enthusiast, said, “India is clearly on the path of development. But we’re not developing as much in sports. Being passionate about fitness and sports myself, we thought of the Marks for Sports initiative as a part of the Fit India Movement.”
The initiative will push for the inclusion of sports in the school curriculum, hoping that this will make parents encourage their children to take up sports. “Apart from creating awareness about the importance of fitness and sports, the initiative will hold school-connect programmes," Jain said. In the end, deserving students will be given scholarships. "We plan to approach 7-8 states initially to give a boost to the campaign by giving it state recognition," Jain said, promising, in turn, Olympic-class infrastructure.
The year-long initiative will involve ground activities like provision of infrastructure, initiation of debates, discussion programmes and a signature campaign asking for policy changes. The initiative is also seen as an employment provider for B and C category sportspersons, while inculcating discipline and healthy habits among schoolchildren.
Actor Ranbir Kapoor, also a football enthusiast, has been roped in as brand ambassador for Marks for Sports and will be involved in interactions with schoolchildren and in other promotional activities.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in New Delhi, Kapoor said, “I really believe this is a great initiative to catalyse awareness for sports and fitness to be part of our daily lives.
And what better way to do this than to make sports a part of every child’s school curriculum? I would have enjoyed my school days much more had sports been given more importance.”
Among other sportspersons who have pledged support to the initiative are cricket legend MAK Pataudi, footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, pugilist Vijender Singh, ace shooter Gagan Narang and snooker champion Pankaj Advani.
With all these sporting idols urging you to be part of a fitter India, how can you possibly refuse?
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