Asian Games | Kapil Dev pays homage to diversity of successful Indian athletes in Jakarta
Kapil Dev has mentioned that the background of players, who represented India at the Asian Games, doesn’t matter after India struck gold, by achieving their highest ever tally, in Jakarta. He explained that by saying that a lot of players from poor and non-sporting backgrounds had performed well.
Kapil Dev, who is the ambassador for the Territorial Army and Athletics Federation of India (TAAFI) Run, has stated that he was proud of each and every athlete who participated at the Asian Games. The Indian contingent at the Games involving sportspersons from various parts of the country came up with a thrilling show that saw India win a combined 69 medals at the recently concluded event. Many players from poor background showed their capabilities at the Games and brought laurels for the country.
“I feel proud. The background of a player doesn’t matter anymore. Hima (Das) is a real inspiration. Most of them have come from humble backgrounds, but that has not stopped them from winning medals. Our boys and girls have done exceptionally well. Today no one can say I cannot do well because I didn’t get the opportunity. Sometimes you have to find the opportunity and write your destiny," Kapil said in reference to the growing number of success stories in Indian sport where teenagers from non-sporting and humble background have emerged as champions.
"Sport is about celebrations and there is no room for nepotism, which can take you only up to a certain level. It doesn’t work in athletics which has measurable events.”
Kapil Dev also praised the efforts taken by the various federations in training and managing athletes properly.
“You can’t do such good without the federations. The athletes are shining and the Asian Games has shown the new trend in Indian sport. I am proud of our medal winners,” he said.
Sandeep Mehra, an official of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), also offered “unstinted” support for the Marathon. He also stated that AFI will acknowledge this marathon as a pre-requisite for athletes to qualify for various international marathons. Kargil war veteran, Maj. D.P. Singh, who is also India's first blade runner, mentioned that long distance running should be promoted because it's one of the easiest ways to remain fit.
“We should promote running because it doesn’t require expensive infrastructure and equipment. Running can certainly make India a fit
