CHENNAI: With Sachin Tendulkar — arguably one of the greatest batsmen the world has seen, and Kamal Haasan — one of the finest actors in the history of Indian cinema — on stage, it was absolute pandemonium, as everyone in the jam-packed hall wanted to take a snap of the two.
In fact, Haasan’s daughter Akshara sat in a corner, and watched all the adulation that her father and Tendulkar were getting. The latter is also the co-owner of Tamil Thalaivas team in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). He and the other stakeholders wanted one among the best-known faces in Tamil Nadu as their brand ambassador, and chose none other than the legendary actor.
Tendulkar and the veteran actor unveiled the team’s jersey, in the presence of Telugu filmstars Ram Charan and Allu Arjun. The former felt that kabaddi was one of the most popular sports in the country, with everyone enjoying playing the sport at some point in their lives. He liked the enthusiasm of the players and felt that he should also support the sport.
“Every one will agree that at some stage in our life, we must have played kabaddi. I was there to witness the first PKL match in Mumbai three years ago. The energy and vibe of the stadium were spectacular. When I actually witnessed the agility and speed with which they move, it was just incredible. As a sportsman, I know what it takes to go out there and perform in front of the whole world,”’ explained Tendulkar.
The man with 100 centuries in his kitty said that his commitment was not just to promote kabaddi, but all sports in the country. He stated that India’s youth population would witness rapid growth in the near future, and sports would be one of the best ways for them to stay fit.
“Live your dream and live your passion. I am here not to support kabbadi, but all sports. India in 2020 will have the youngest population in the world. That, and we are in No 3 in obesity means that we must adopt some sport. Everybody should play some sport to lead a healthy life. Having the youngest average population and the unhealthiest population at the same time is a recipe for disaster,” cautioned the maestro.
“Thalaivas is my dream team. If I were to pick a team from outside, I would have MS Dhoni as defender and Shankar Mahadevan, since he is good at holding his breath,” signed off Tendulkar.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com