Milind Soman On Importance Of Sports: “We Can Protect Children From Getting Brainwashed”

Supermodel-turned-actor and sports enthusiast Milind Soman feels that in these socio-politically polarised times, when youngsters are increasingly getting involved in political violence, promoting a culture of sports can help combat the situation.

“Sports is a very positive outlet to utilise your energy. Sports help you build a healthy body and mind, and also benefit in our spiritual growth through discipline. It is a great engagement for youngsters. Once you have a healthy mind, no one can radicalise you easily. We can protect those children from getting brainwashed by the negative influence. That is why I believe that this is high time we bring the sports culture and make it popular among kids to build a progressive nation,” Milind, who has penned Made In India: A Memoir, told IANS.

In one of the chapters of his book, he mentions how, as a 10-year-old boy, he used to visit the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shakha every day for a year and how, during those days, the organisation would focus on instilling discipline in every member, for becoming responsible citizens, contrary to the present image of the body.

Cricket aside, not many sports are celebrated in India — becoming an athlete, for instance, is not as glamorous as becoming a cricketer. Milind feels the approach needs to change.