Former India cricket captain and Padma Shri awardee Anil Kumble on Friday advised youth to inculcate the art of taking risks to succeed in their lives.
Speaking at the National Youth Day festivities organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda by the Department of Youth Advancement and Sports, he said if one succeeds, he or she can emerge as a leader, while failure will transform them to guide others. “Take up some sport in life as it will add value to your life,” he exhorted the youngsters who had come from 13 districts of the State.
The veteran India coach said that cricket taught him life and he was grateful to the game which infused discipline in him.
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He applauded the young students who performed yoga before the start of the programme for their discipline and concentration. “Despite distractions, they (the students) didn’t deviate from their primary duty — that is performing
He appreciated the State government for taking up strategic sports initiative with his company — Tenvic — to spread physical literacy in schools. He lauded the government for taking steps to improve infrastructure, coaching and training facilities in the new State. “India has immense talent. We need to provide the talented youngsters with opportunities”.
He said the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh should try to increase the quantity of sportspersons and later concentrate on quality. “The proposed Centre for Excellence by will play a pivotal role in harnessing talent in Andhra Pradesh in days to come.”
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Adviser to the State government Parakala Prabhakar explained the significance of the famous Chicago speech by Swami Vivekananda and asked the youngsters to recite a sloka, which highlighted the virtues of India.
Special Chief Secretary L.V. Subrahmanyam lauded the role of Swami Vivekananda in enhancing the prestige of the country and laying the foundation for the freedom struggle. Minister for Sports Kollu Ravindra said the government had come out with a comprehensive youth policy to prepare for them for the future.
Freedom fighter S.N. Subba Rao, writer Mahejabeen Baig, youth leaders Bhargav, Divya Vadlapudi, lecturer Bodati Alivelunanga, social worker Tejaswi Podapati, banker Rakesh Krishna Srinivas, scholars Dr. Chokkalingam, Dr. Pratap Sundar and Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh Managing Director N. Bangaru Raju addressed the gathering.