NATIONAL SPORTS DAY: TOKYO OLYMPICS FUELS SPORTS FERVOUR IN DELHI-NCR

Sports academies are witnessing more interest from youngsters, of late

ndia’s recent performance at the Olympics has inspired Delhi-NCR sports enthusiasts, who are now taking up different games with greater fervour. Youngsters and professionals are heading out again, as the Capital treads with care, to pursue sports at academies.

At Delhi-based Salute Hockey Academy, the phone has been ringing constantly, for coaching enquiries. Gaganjeet Singh from the academy, feels the Indian hockey team could be credited for the spike. “Demand for hockey training has gone up. What’s interesting to note is that more girls are now keen on the sport. And, earlier, students would call to enquire, but of late, parents are also serious about arranging training for kids,” he shares.

Neeraj Chopra’s javelin is also making denizens see gold. Coach Jogesh, from Jogi Throwing Academy in Dwarka, confirms they are seeing an increase in demand for all games, especially javelin throw. He says, “More athletes qualified this year for various sports, and Neeraj’s medal has given people more hope in athletics at large. Sab javelin throw seekhna chahte hain! We’re witnessing over 80% rise in requests for training in throw sports like shot put, javelin and discus. We’re training 35 people right now while maintaining social distancing.”

With Delhiites getting comfortable to step outdoor for exercise and sports, more takers for gymnastics and badminton are being reported, unlike earlier when mostly cricket and football would be on the radar. “People who were training with us before the pandemic, have returned for their sessions. There’s a greater demand for gymnastics among youngsters. We are constructing a new floor dedicated to gymnastics and even parkour training,” shares Ricky, who works at an indoor parkour and calisthenics academy in Vishwas Nagar.

The increase in passion for sports is similar at Indirapuram-based Sam Games Badminton Academy, where young professionals are queuing up. “We mostly train individuals who are willing to play competitively. But now more individuals are inspired to take up badminton seriously. We are currently coaching almost 70 children and adults at our centre,” says Ravi Tripathi, who works at the academy, confirming a greater interest from Delhiites.

We’re witnessing over 80% increase in requests for training in throw sports like javelin, discus, shot put.