The Hindu : Sport : Stress on hard work

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Monday, May 04, 2009
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Stress on hard work

Special Correspondent

Chennai: There is no substitute to hard work and it could be accomplished only through spirit and self-belief. This was the theme of the talk that C. Rajan, Commissioner of Customs, gave at the valedictory function of the India Sports Athletics Academy (ISPA) on Sunday.

Citing the names as such legends as Wilma Rudolph and Edwin Moses, Mr. Rajan underlined how the essence of systematic work and fortitude to fight handicaps helped those eminent competitors corner glory at the highest of arenas.

Tribute to ISPA

Mr. Rajan was generous in his tribute to ISPA and its directors headed by former international star sprinter, R. Natarajan, in organising the annual coaching camps for eight long years.

He appealed to the parents to allow natural talent among children for sports to flourish and was happy at the turn out of family members for the function at the YMCA College of Physical Education.

Mr. Rajan gave away the trophies and certificates for the trainees, coaches and trainers.

Importance of spirit

Dr. Kannan Pughazendi, the renowned expert in sports medicine, underlined the importance of spirit and commitment in sportsmen and women.

While lauding the efforts of R. Natarajan and hockey Olympian, Muhammad Riaz, Dr. Kannan had a special tribute for the spirit exuded by runners like the 85-year old John Devasir, who was present at the function.

Olympian and coach, Muhammad Riaz, the substitute for Dhanraj Pillay, who expressed his inability to attend the meeting because of the departure of the Indian hockey team to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday for the Asia Cup, spoke on the identity that sport gave to individuals who achieved glory.

R. Natarajan expressed gratitude for the support extended by trainers and coaches, apart from the parents, and also to Indian Overseas Bank for sponsoring the camp for the fourth year in a row.

Rm. Lakshmanan, Director, ISPA, welcomed the gathering.

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