New Delhi: Outgoing National Chief Athletics coach Bahadur Singh has appealed to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and administrators to ensure that every school in the country has space for children to play. The 74-year-old said that India has the potential to become a powerhouse in sports if it ensures that the country's children have ample space to play sports.
"If there is a playground in schools everywhere then there will be lots of PT Usha and Hima Das," said Singh in a virtual farewell arranged for him by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Rijiju was present in the video conference along with a number of big names of Indian sports administration, including former sportspersons like PT Usha and Anju Bobby George.
"But unfortunately, our schools have no place to play. India has a lot of talent, no doubt. India can be a world power in athletics but for that, we have to make space for kids to play in schools.
"In schools in China, there is three hours continuous physical activity. They also give food in the school. That's the importance that country and many others are giving to their children. But sir, we are not giving our children importance. In lakhs of schools in our country, there are no playing fields."