Former India cricket captain and coach Kapil Dev called upon the Union government to declare a Sunday in the year as 'Sports Day' and encourage running.
"Athletics is a base sport. Anyone who is adept at athletics can pick up any other game. It is essential for India, which is slowly growing in stature financially, to become a top sporting nation too," he told newspersons in Mumbai on Thursday.
He was speaking in his capacity as one of the four Brand Ambassadors of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2005, which is to be run in Mumbai on January 16. The other ambassadors are 2003 World Championships long jump bronze medallist and Olympian Anju Bobby George and British track legends Steve Ovett and Linford Christie.
Kapil said since the country has too many holidays he is not in favour of another holiday dedicated to sports participation.
"The Sports Day should be held on a Sunday," he said, probably ignorant of the fact that Indian hockey wizard Dhyan Chand's birthday is observed as National sports day, adding "we want to become a nation of sporting people."
Urging people to come out in numbers and participate in it, he said the Mumbai Marathon is a "beautiful" event and he is thrilled to be a part of it.
"Running is great for health. It helps to build up good leg strength and stamina and is essential in all walks of life," the former Indian and world record holder for highest Test wickets said.
"As a youngster, between the ages of 14 and 17, I have a done lot of cross-country running in my hometown of Chandigarh. It stood me in good stead all these years," he added.
"In fact, if I look back on my career and include all the running I have done as a bowler, fielder and batsman, I feel I must have covered the circumference of the globe. I am very proud to have done so," Kapil said.
He said though he will not take part in January 16 run as a runner, he will be there at the finish line to encourage as many people as possible to complete the course, especially the 30 handicapped persons, who will participate in wheel chairs, and senior citizens who have listed for the 3.5-km run.
Kapil also urged cricketers to take up long distance running to develop stamina and endurance.
"Every individual should be encouraged to run. For sportsmen sweat is like perfume. The more you sweat the healthier you can become. Running is the key to success," he added.
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