Isha foundation proposes sports academies across Tamil Nadu

“At the academy, sports like weightlifting, boxing and archery will be taught. This will be in line with sports stadiums set up in every district by the Andhra Pradesh government,” said sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the foundation, at the 14th Isha gramotsavam festival on Sunday.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Olympian Karnam Malleswari and State Ministers K A Sengottaiyan, P Thangamani, S P Velumani and K C Karupannan took part in the event organised in collaboration with Ramco Industries and Airports Authority of India at TexValley in Erode district. Over 40,000 players from rural India participated in the event.

“It is necessary to inculcate the spirit of sports at the right age. But due to financial crisis and other reasons, not every child can undergo training in Delhi. Hence, sports stadiums should be set up in every district,” Vasudev said.

In a bid to promote weaving, the foundation has also decided to organise a fashion show in New York on Feb 12-14 next year to exhibit the traditional fabrics. “About 150 years ago, 60 per cent of the fabrics were weaved in India. After the arrival of the East India Company, the weaving profession dropped by 90 per cent. It needs to be revived again,” he added.

In her speech, Olympian and champion weightlifter Karnam Malleshwari said India has good talent, but lacks proper infrastructure and coaches. “We need to create this to enable the country to win medals at the international level,” she said.