Veteran India off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh who is currently playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing edition of the IPL said Punjab has an abundance of talent, but they need to create better infrastructure and more provide more opportunities to the youngsters.
“These days, very few kids are coming out to play an outdoor sport. To encourage them, we have to create better infrastructure and give them more facilities,” Harbhajan said.
He was present as the chief guest of a cricket academy launch of former Indian cricketer Reetinder Singh Sodhi.
He asked whether Reetinder Singh’s academy which has opened in St Stephen’s School will benefit the kids. In reply, Harbhajan said,
“In Punjab, even today (sports) infrastructure is lacking. We need more academics like these to come up; these facilities can be in the government or the private sector.
“We need to encourage more and more kids to go out and play outdoor games. It is good to see that Reetinder has opened this academy. From government side too, something has to be done so that more and more kids are encouraged to play. There is no dearth of talent in Punjab,” he said.
The spinner further stated it is a matter of concern that the kids of today are more hooked up to electronic gadgets.
“While many kids are hooked these days to gadgets like smartphones, there are some parents who feel that their kids may land up in bad company if they go out. But the point is that if good institutes and academies come up and better infrastructure is created, I am sure kids will be encouraged, and then we can convert and channelise the talent of these young kids in a positive manner,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by PTI.
Harbhajan added the sports culture in Punjab surely needs to be revived.
“We have fallen behind a lot. If you see, after me and Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh), no player played for India in cricket. I am not ready to accept that we are lacking in talent, talent is abundant.
“If we give good facilities and create good opportunities for the young talent, they will shine. We will not only create champions but also create a lot of healthy people and good citizens,” the 37-year-old cricketer said.
He was further asked on his opinion on his neighbouring state Haryana brining laurels in Olympics and Commonwealth Games. In reply, Bhajji said,
“While these sportspersons are bringing medals for their country, but they are also making their state proud. I am sure they (Haryana) must be doing something better than us (Punjab).”
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