Kapil Dev hopes Cricket will be included in Olympics one day
Former World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev expressed his eagerness to see cricket as a part of the Olympic games in the near future. The legendary all-rounder said that sport is a necessity for every person’s life as it brings discipline. He also said that every person should be a player at heart.
Kapil who was present at the inauguration of the Department of Sports and Rehabilitation at Jaypee Hospital in Noida Sector 128 shared his thoughts.
“I believe everybody, irrespective of his/her profession should be a sportsman. Sports are for all and it brings goodness to your body. My advice is that everybody should devote at least two hours daily to their body. Youngsters should especially emulate sports in their lives, India has so much talent and I am sure that introduction to sports will give them better opportunities” Dev said.
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The Indian Olympic contingent is all geared up for the upcoming Rio Olympics, and Dev hopes that one day cricket will be a part of Olympics but believes the sport needs to be more globalised before it can make it to the Olympics.
“We have to understand that mere 12-14 countries play international cricket at this moment and that is why cricket is not a part of Olympics. However, cricket is attracting interest in countries such as Italy and Indonesia. I hope one day cricket will be included in the Olympics,” the former Indian captain said.
Addressing a press conference, the iconic figure also spoke about the risks and injuries involved in a sportsperson’s life,
“Sports injury is fairly common among athletes owing to the high-intensity physical exercises they undergo. However, a few injuries can also end careers for some. Luckily, today, we have technology that can cure these injuries and prolong a sportsperson’s career,” Dev said.
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The Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation department inaugurated by Dev comprises a team of specialised doctors who will provide the best medical treatments for sports injuries.
“Sports medicine requires a team effort. Gone are the days when one individual alone used to treat injuries. A full team for sports medicine includes speciality physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches and others. It is our endeavour to provide this kind of a team concept to sportsmen at this centre,” said Dr Manoj Luthra, CEO, Jaypee Hospital.