MS Dhoni urges parents to get children into sports early: ‘Not everyone will become an athlete’

In a conversation with Javed Akhtar, cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni emphasized the importance of encouraging children to engage in sports from an early age. Dhoni highlighted the shift in food and physical activity habits in India, noting that the carbohydrate-rich diet persists due to a lack of physical labor in daily life. He pointed out that the convenience of automobiles and the prevalence of fast food contribute to decreased physical activity levels.

Dhoni urged parents to expose children to various sports in school, as this could help them discover hidden talents, such as excelling at badminton. He cautioned that not everyone will become an athlete, but prioritizing fitness and sports in one's life can lead to better health and well-being during middle age. Dhoni stressed the significance of investing in one's own health, even if it means dedicating an hour daily to exercise and eating a balanced diet.

Dr Pushkar Chawla, Director of Orthopaedics at ShardaCare - Healthcity, echoed Dhoni's sentiments, emphasizing the benefits of sports for children's physical health. He explained that engaging in activities like football, cricket, basketball, swimming, badminton, and athletics can help children maintain strong bones, muscles, and joints. Regular physical activity also strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, improves blood circulation, and helps maintain healthy body weight and metabolism.

Chawla stressed the importance of introducing children to sports early on to establish a positive relationship with exercise, as adults who enjoy physical activities are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle and avoid sedentary habits. He also advised parents to ensure that children participate in age-appropriate activities without excessive pressure to perform, and to promote a focus on enjoyment and consistency rather than solely competition or winning.