Pullela Gopichand addresses AIS, CCS, & MES officers at Dr MCR HRD Institute of Telangana
Hyderabad: Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton Team addressed about 250 All India Services, Central Civil Services, and Military Engineer Services Officers, from across the country, who are attending their respective Foundation Courses at Dr. MCR HRD Institute of Telangana.
Gopichand stated, with a sense of deep concern, that while India has done exceptionally well in the domains of literacy and education, the participation and performance of its younger generation in physical activities leave much to be desired and, as a result, they are not as physically fit as their parents or grandparents used to be.
“When we play sports, we develop health, character, human bonding, community building, and happiness index”, Gopichand stated and added that launching a national movement to inspire people to be physically fit is far more important than chasing a few medals.
“The traditional Indian sports like hockey, kabaddi, running, khokho, wrestling, archery, etc require less physical and financial resources and are within the easy reach of people belonging to all sections of society, including its weaker counterparts”, stated Gopichand and called upon youth to play in large numbers rather than being mere spectators.
Gopichand called upon the trainee Civil Servants to do their optimum best in their future postings in order to create a culture of physical fitness in view of the fact that the youth is focusing mainly on enriching their academic achievements and ignoring their participation in games and sports.
Gopichand called upon the trainee Civil Servants to learn from successful sportspersons in such areas as setting inspiring goals, motivating teams to perform well, building team spirit, and inculcating high level of discipline considering the fact that that thereare core similarities between the skill sets required of bothCivil Servants and professional sportspersons.
Harpreet Singh, IAS, DG, Dr MCR HRD Institute & Special Chief Secretary to Government of Telanganasaid that there is a direct relationship between physical fitness and productivity at workplace. He added that one should start physical fitness and adopt healthy lifestyle at a young age and continue them as a part of his habits so that he remains productive throughout his professional career.
Divya Parmar, IES, Course Director, Special Foundation Course 2022 welcomed Gopichand. Rahul Meena, IFS, who was the Escort Officer, introduced him to the audience.