Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
Sachin Tendulkar

India is hosting its first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup and there is a lot of excitement running across all the football fans across the country. Legend Sachin Tendulkar also motivated the Indian Under-17 Football team which is going to take part in the tournament. He said, “I am looking forward to this tournament. Any World Cup in any format and (age) category is a championship at the highest level where players don’t give anything easy.”

He also feels that 17 is no more a young age and the competition is going to be tough. “I was at Rio Olympics last year and I saw women’s rugby match and it was incredible and physical and U-17 World Cup is going to be same. Age of 17 in today’s world is not young. It is a competitive age where everyone pushes himself to reach next level,” Sachin said.

“The best thing is how spectators have responded. The World Cup will take football to next level in India and support from home crowd will go beyond it,” he further added.

The 44-year-old legend was announced as the brand ambassador of SPN, what he thinks is a great responsibility. “Sports is my life, it is like oxygen and my passion. It is great responsibility which I enjoy. My journey started at the age of 10 after watching Kapil Dev lift the (World Cup) trophy. Many youngsters caught inspiration. What you leave behind is important. Our generation left behind and now current Indian team is taking it forward,” master blaster said.

He also mentioned Dipa Karmakar moment in the last year Rio Olympics and told how people get inspired watching heroes on television. “Rio was an incredible experience for me. We had some exciting moments like in badminton and sad moments. What caught my eye was Dipa Karmarkar, the way she did it was incredible coming from Agartala. That happens by watching heroes on television,” he said.

He also advised people to stay healthy and to watch and participate in sports as this leads to a healthy life.

By Naman