tfk sports 18aug
TRANSCRIPT
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7/31/2019 TFK Sports 18Aug
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Saikripa, 289, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram 695 038, Kerala
|| T: 0471-2361026 || E: [email protected] ||
Press Release
Say No to Smoking for Excelling in Sports
Thiruvananthapuram, August 18 Factors for excellence in sports have once again come under the
spotlight, even as India celebrates its record-setting medal haul two silvers and four bronzes - at the
London Olympics 2012.
While it is not hard to understand that years of dedicated hard work go behind putting up a stellar
performance in the competitive sports arena, domain experts aver that success calls for regimented
training, strict adherence to diet and abstinence from damaging vices such as smoking and other
forms of tobacco use.
Shri U Vimal Kumar, National, French Open and Welsh International Open badminton champion from
Kerala said, Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key aspect for excellence in sports; it should begin at
an early age. Children between the ages of 4 to 6 years should be encouraged/given opportunity to
indulge in athletics, swimming and gymnastics. These activities will help them in developing correct
running techniques, hand eye co-ordination and right posture. The child can then be steered onto the
sport of their aptitude and choice.
Emphasising the role of parents, Shri Kumar who is the Co-Founder, Director and Chief Coach of
Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy said, The lifestyle of parents and their mentors have a direct
impact on children. It is important that parents keep away from smoking and use of other forms of
tobacco if they have sporting aspirations for their child. The Academy has trained ace players such as
Pullela Gopichand and Aparna Popat.
At an impressionable age, children quickly imbibe whatever is done by parents and elders. A child
gets the wrong message when seeing an elder person spit out tobacco from a car, bus or an auto
rickshaw, added Shri Kumar who was the Chief National Coach in badminton and has represented
India in Asian Games 1986 and 1990; Commonwealth Games, 1990 and the Olympics, 1992.
Furthermore, smoking and tobacco use adversely impacts stamina building, which is vital for asportsperson.
Dr. George Mathews, Medical Officer, Sports Authority of India here said, One of the most important
factors determining the stamina of the athlete is the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen from the
atmosphere. In smokers, this is impaired and they find themselves out of breath quicker than non-
smokers.
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Saikripa, 289, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram 695 038, Kerala
|| T: 0471-2361026 || E: [email protected] ||
Smoke being an irritant could lead to chronic cough and respiratory infections. Nicotine narrows
blood vessels and affects cardiac function, Dr. Mathews added.
For sportspersons, the greatest bane is injury, which can mar their performance and even keep them
out of action.
Dr. Mathews said, Smoking results in weaker bones and tendons with an increased susceptibility to
injuries. Once injured, a smoker would find it tougher to recover. Calcium and other nutrient
absorption are also reduced.
In short, smoking will make an athlete unhealthy; who would not only fail to reach his peak
performance but would also sacrifice his good health, a lifelong asset, sums up Dr Mathews who is
also a senior faculty member at the Lakshmi Bai National College of Physical Education at Kariavattam
near here.
Ends