Govt should encourage youth to take up sports, says Khali
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 6
The Great Khali, aka Dalip Singh Rana, feels that sports is "all about entertainment" and state governments should come forward to promote it.
"Sports is like entertainment and the government, which is there to manage the affairs, should encourage the youngsters to be a part of it," said Khali.
The WWE fame wrestler, who has quit the wrestling and is now concentrating on coaching, was at the Panjab University here to announce the opening of the North Zone Sub Junior Badminton Championship.
On the growing drug abuse among the youth, the wrestler said: "Drugs not only spoil families, but also finish talent within a person. The government needs to take initiatives to educate youth about the substance abuse," he said.
"I have 20 players from the region in my academy and all are doing well. If we show them the right path they will move on and will definitely shine one day," said Khali.
Last year, during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Punjab Police in Chandigarh, Khali had announced to provide free of cost coaching to the Punjab police personnel willing to adopt wrestling. However, no one has come forward to grab the opportunity so far.
"I still stand by my word. The police personnel, who are serious to learn wrestling, will be provided free coaching. But they should be serious about it and should adopt the sport full time," he said.
Khali also expressed his disappointment at the absence of Indian wrestlers in the WWE Summer Slam event. "It's a matter of shame for us that there is no wrestler from India to qualify for the summer slam event. Although Satinder and Lovepreet are representing the country in the WWE, we need more people to participate in the competition," added Khali.
He also wished Indian wrestlers for the upcoming Rio Olympics. "I wish that the wrestling contingent brings a rich haul of medals in the upcoming Olympics. I am looking forward to meet Yogeshwar Dutt and other wrestlers and wish them success," said the towering grappler.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the event had to call police to restrict spectators from getting clicked with Khali. The security staff present on the campus was caught unawares and it was difficult to control the situation.