Actor Nani loves to work and is equally passionate about promoting sport. His appeal to youth to play games is down-to-earth. He is disarmingly frank on bridging the gap between a desire to play and realising it putting to rest the school-boyish doubts.
I am happy and proud to be a brand ambassador for football promoting it for an ambitious government goal of spreading it among youth. It is much more satisfying than endorsing products by taking some fee. It is for a purpose and in future if the country rises to the level of challenging different countries as the Prime Minister envisaged, all of us can be proud of being a part of the beginning, he said during his brief appearance for the promotion of Oorja-CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament-2017, organised by CISF, here on Tuesday. He unveiled the Oorja-CISF AP Siddhanathi Varahalu Trophy (Boys U-19).
I am really happy to come this far to be a brand ambassador for a State from my aspiring to be member of school cricket or some other team,” the hero of popular films like Eega, Gentleman, Bhale Bhale Magadivoyi and Nenu Local took time off from a shoot to participate in the programme and immediately left the venue to resume work. Though football was not a rich man’s game and could be played anywhere without much of an infrastructure, it somehow did not become popular in the country, he said. Worldwide it’s a popular game and all big countries have prestigious tournaments.
Lack of direction
He hoped the governments initiative ahead of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in the country in October would spur interest in the game and help the country go to the level of challenging other countries.
Nani felt though children played everywhere they were handicapped by lack of a system and direction. Though we mostly see cricket being played, of late badminton and hockey and other games were also getting importance, he said. He echoed the popular opinion that in spite of being a big country, India lagged behind badly in getting Olympics medals.
Olympic bronze medallist Karanam Malleswari said participation in sports would help children develop mental toughness, in decision-making and take things in their stride. Parents should encourage children to play sports instead of allowing them to spend time on computers, mobile phones and video games.