NRI Harjinder Singh Dhanoa influencing youth via sports in Punjab

Ludhiana, Dec.9 (ANI): Living thousands of miles away from native homes various non-resident Indians are making a difference to the lives of fellow persons in India out of their love for the motherland and moral responsibility.

The United Kingdom-based Harjinder Singh Dhanoa is one such NRI, who despite moving abroad has always felt attached to India, especially the native state Punjab.

Dhanoa, who is also a sports lover, is a frequent visitor here and has opted to influence youngsters' lives in Punjab through promotion of sport activities. He believes sports is an effective medium to keep the youth away from dangerous attractions like drug-addiction.

Harjinder Singh Dhanoa's single-minded pursuit over the years has not only helped various budding players but has also kept them away from drugs.Harjinder Singh Dhanoa said: "About 11-12 years ago, when we used to visit our village, we noticed not much was being done for sports promotion. India is still at the bottom of the list in the medals tally. Drugs are being used by the youth. This motivated me to start promoting sports in Punjab. Our family bears all the expanses."

"In April, we hold marriages for poor girls. In August, we take out a 3-day long religious procession to attract local residents towards religious activities. In November, we organize a sports fair in memory of my mother. We also run a hockey academy in HMV College, Jalandhar that has produced talented sportsmen," Dhanoa added. He believes Kabaddi game holds the potential to become an Olympic sport, provided it is aggressively promoted. The push to the game could be at different stages. In the beginning, it could be played at school and college-level. Then at the State-level and then at professional-level in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. And, finally at Olympics.

Dhanoa believes though it is naïve to expect the transformation to occur overnight, it is a possible dream.

Kabaddi, which has been a favourite sport in the rural India, has usually received a not so encouraging support from the authorities, though federations are doing every possible effort and fighting for the sports.

Players are tested for drugs and anyone found using drugs to enhance performance is banned for a year or more. Dhanoa said: "It is urgent and I appeal to NRIs in Punjab, the State and Central government to promote Kabaddi in other parts of the country - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkota. Here too, competitions should be held on a small or a big scale." romotion of sports is widely perceived to be beneficial for the youth, as there is a fear of them taking to any criminal activities after studies, in case they fail to get a proper job.

Dhanoa believes the youngsters should take part in sports and show their talent in front of foreign visitors.

Many people from abroad, who run their own clubs, select talented players from here and hire them for a season. If the players go abroad to take part in international competitions, they can earn good money. By Karan Kapoor (ANI)