‘ Khelo initiative could be a game- changer’
Over 70 Arjuna Award winners, Dronacharya awardees and Khel Ratnas are part of a talent identification committee of the Khelo India School Games
The country’s sporting legends believe the inaugural Khelo India School Games could be a game- changer for Indian sport.
Over 70 Arjuna Award winners, Dronacharya awardees and Khel Ratnas are part of a talent identification committee of the Games, including 2000 Sydney Olympics weightlifting bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari, multiple world champion Kunjarani Devi, hockey star Jagbir Singh, football legend I. M. Vijayan, boxing coach G. S. Sandhu and Olympian shooter Mansher Singh.
Legendary sprinter P. T. Usha and two- time Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar have also worked as spotters during the ongoing competition.
Kunjarani said, “It is not just the North- east but the whole country. I wish we had events like Khelo India School Games for that would have given us a great start.
“It was a pleasure to interact with these kids. Some of them come from a very humble background.
“If they get scholarships and an opportunity to study and play sport at the same time, they will develop into champions and excellent people,” she added.
Singh said, “School level sports have often been neglected and this is a perfect opportunity to create a platform for the future. Regular competitions at this level and the right benefits can produce competent athletes.”
A pan- India platform will help in enriching an existing talent pool of boxers, Sandhu said.
“We already have a fine pool and a platform like Khelo is just what we needed to unearth talent from the early stages.
“The presence of sport on TV and the benefits that are coming their way, it is not only youngsters but also their parents, who are looking at sport as a great career opportunity.”