Sachin Tendulkar bats for healthy India, urges everyone to play a game

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday urged Indians to start playing sport and lead a healthy lifestyle. The maestro has always encouraged people to take up sport.

“I have always mentioned that India should become a sports playing nation. Yes, we have always been a sports loving nation but to transfer ourselves from sports loving nation to sports playing one, we all need to start playing sports. Healthy competition is always good,” Tendulkar said while launching a Smaaash game centre at Seawood Mall in Navi Mumbai.

“Leading active lifestyle is very important. I urge everyone to adopt a sport and start playing it. This way, we will be able to become a healthy and fit nation,” the little master said.

Narrating an incident from his childhood as to how his grandmother taught him to make health a priority in life, Tendulkar said Indians have potential to excel in all walks of life provided they remain fit and healthy.

“I remember my grandmother telling me during my childhood that health is your wealth. There are many ways to look after your health and playing game is one of them.

“Physical fitness and mental fitness combined together makes a healthy man. It is all about valuing your health and not taking anything for granted.

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“If we can do that, future is going to be in our hands. When we talk of average age population, by 2020 we are going to be the youngest average nation on this earth. If we are not healthy and fit, it’s recipe for disaster. So let us get healthy and enjoy our lives,” he said.

The 45-year-old also thanked his fans who had turned up in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their icon. “It feels like being in a stadium once again. It means a lot to me,” he concluded.