Far from the madding crowd, Coach Honnappa asserts importance of sports

Honnappa C Gowda with 2 of his players

Perhaps one of the prime reasons for our country to not excel at the highest level in sports is the lack of professionalism which flourishes at the grass roots; parents and teachers alike are usually reluctant to treat any game as a possible career option. The concept of sports schools and colleges is almost alien to the ecosystem that we incubate in.

Earlier today, in a press conference, Dabang Delhi’s coach Honnappa C Gowda echoed the same, “Today a kid is over- burdened with studies; he carries around so many books- it’s almost unreal.

I just hope some parents encouraged the kids to take up sports too, for the kind of qualities that we inculcate on the field of play are seldom taught in any classroom.”

Upon being asked about if he is trying to do something in this regard, “Obviously, I try and do my bit back home in Karnataka. Recently I was bestowed with an honorary doctorate by a Malaysian University- more than anything else it goes on to show how much people can achieve even in a sport like

Kabaddi. It can inspire the youngsters in smaller towns and lead them to a career in sport themselves.

Here in Delhi too, I have been closely associated with the Rurban program initiated by the DoIt team and it’s massively satisfying to see young boys and girls alike stepping on the mat with much gusto.”“The intent is to make people believe that they can make a living out of playing too, one need not be a book worm to make ends meet in our country,” he signed off.

Needless to say, we couldn’t agree more!