Sports: A Force for Friendship, Respect, and Transformation
Sports: A Catalyst for Friendship, Respect, and Solidarity
Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra has emphasized the profound impact of sports beyond the realm of competition. At the Revsportz Trailblazers 2.0 conclave, Bindra, along with Italian shooter Niccolo Campriani and legendary Indian shuttler Pullela Gopichand, shared their insights on the transformative power of sports.
Bindra highlighted the Olympic Value Education Program run by his foundation in Odisha. He cited the example of a mixed-team football tournament in schools, where the Olympic values had a significant impact. “As many as 63 of the 100 school teams were led by girls,” Bindra said, demonstrating the program’s success in promoting gender equality.
He also shared an inspiring story of children modifying game rules to include a teammate with a disability. “It is such transformation that warms the heart,” Bindra said. “Sport teaches you friendship, respect, and solidarity and can shape people while making them health conscious.”
Campriani, who retired from shooting alongside Bindra, spoke about their collaboration on the Refugee Project for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to society and make a meaningful impact. “To see refugee athletes start from scratch and compete in the Olympics was good,” he said.
Gopichand, renowned for his contributions to Indian badminton, emphasized the importance of physical literacy and participation in sports for all. “Sport should not be only for a select few and just about competition or winning,” he said. “We need to have the larger perspective about the mind-body connect.”
The Trailblazers 2.0 conclave served as a platform for these sports icons to share their experiences and perspectives on the transformative power of sports. Their insights underscore the importance of sports in fostering friendship, respect, solidarity, and overall well-being.