Tendulkar urges youth to take up sport

The logo of Tamil Thalaivas, a warrior, is inspired from the history that it carries as a 4000-yearold sport played by the knights and warriors. The gold and blue jersey has 32 stars in it denoting the 32 districts in the state. 

Along with the logo and jersey, the entire Tamil Thalaivas team was present. While the team will be led by star Indian raider Ajay Thakur, K Baskaran will be the coach of the team. Tendulkar, speaking about the love for the sport, said kabaddi is not an alien sport in the country. 

“At some stage in our life we all would have played kabaddi. I was there to witness the first PKL match in Mumbai, three years ago. The kind of energy I felt was spectacular. The speed that they move in is incredible. 

Being a sportsperson, I know what it takes to go out there and perform in front of the whole world, live your dream and passion. I have since loved the game and I am here to support not only kabaddi, but sports in general,” the master blaster added. 

Urging youngsters to take up sport, Tendulkar voiced his concern over the unhealthy lifestyle of youth and hoped everyone would take up to some sport or the other to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

“By 2020, India is set to be the youngest nation by population. However, on the flip side, we are ranked number three in obesity. A young and unhealthy population is a perfect recipe for disaster. What the country needs is more participation from youth in sporting activities. It is very important for people to stay healthy and there is no better way than taking up to sport,” Tendulkar noted. 

Terming the Tamil Thalaivas as his ‘dream team’, Tendulkar wanted it to win more hearts along with matches. “Go out and win the hearts of your fans,” he said to a 

thunderous applause. 

When asked as to who he would pick up in his team apart from the players, Tendulkar said, “If I have to pick up a defender, there would be no better player than MS Dhoni, as he doesn’t miss much. And for a raider, it has to be singer Shankar Mahadevan of Breathless fame as a raider has to hold his breath and there is no one better than the singer to that.” 

Tendulkar also thanked actor Kamal Haasan for supporting kabaddi and Tamil Thalaivas as its brand ambassador. The actor on his part said he was happy to be associated with Tamil Thalaivas and hoped to see the team play the finals in Chennai.  “I am delighted to see a cricket legend (Tendulkar) throw his weight behind kabaddi and get involved with a team,” Kamal Haasan said.