“Sachin! Sachin!” The Codissia grounds rang out loud as Sachin Tendulkar, along with Jaggi Vasudev, arrived at the prize distribution ceremony at the Gramotsavam, a project to initiate rural sports culture by Isha Yoga Foundation. Youngsters in the crowd whistled, jumped walls and waved the Indian flag when he got on to the stage.
Sachin opened the game with the first throw of the volleyball. He told the audience later, “I do not know how many of you know this. But, before every match we play a round of volley ball.” He gave away the prizes to the winners of women’s Throwback and men’s Volleyball as well. The participants beamed as they posed next to the cricketer on stage for photographs. Sachin won many hearts with his comment, “I appreciate the spirit of the players, here. You were competitive but at the same time respected the referee.”
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He said that sports taught him to be disciplined. “Maybe, I did not succeed all the time but I got back on my feet and competed in the right spirit every time.” He also said that sports works wonders because it brings people together. He said he dreamed of a diabetic-free India and urged the youth to engage in outdoor activities and lead a healthy lifestyle. He requested Jaggi Vasudev to initiate a similar venture in the village of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, which he has adopted.
“As a nation, we need to be more playful. Bring sports into your office, family and neighbourhood. Then, half the problems in the world will be solved,” Jaggi Vasudev told the young Sachin fans.
The programme ended with a round of cricket with Jaggi Vasudev bowling to Sachin who hit the ball high up in the air.
‘Bring sports into your office, family and neighbourhood. Then, half the problems in the world will be solved,’ says Jaggi Vasudev
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