Youngsters should be given opportunities to prove their talent. It is also important for them to make use of the chances, hockey Olympian V. Baskaran said.
Speaking at the valediction of the annual sports meet of Oxford Engineering College here on Friday, Mr. Baskaran, who led the Indian hockey team to gold in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, advised youngsters to devote time for sports . “Active involvement in sporting activities will in no way spoil the academic performance of students. It will only make them brighter,” he added.
Mr. Baskaran, who represented India in two World Cups (1973 at Amstelveen and 1978 at Buenos Aires), said that taking part in sports was one of the best ways to stay fit. “Sports helps in the overall development of youth. Blending sports with academics will do youngsters a world of good,” he added. M. Subramaniam, Chairman of the college, observed that the spirit of participation was more important than winning.
R. Ramaprabha, Directress of Physical Education, in her annual sports report, highlighted the achievements of the students.
The Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering won the overall championship. Mr. Baskaran gave away prizes in the presence of Nirmala Subramaniam, governing council member of the college; G. Seetharaman, principal; and N. Annavi, former international high jumper.
