In the keynote address, Sanjay Tandon, Founder President, UTCA and Governing Council, WPL (BCCI) said the event was organised to address players' shortcomings by motivating them through interactions with eminent speakers and experts, especially on mental stress and health. He said the initiative aims to make players mentally stronger, more confident, and better prepared for competitive pressure, and is planned to be an annual feature to boost performance, energy levels, and overall development.
Aligning the tone, Suneel Kaswani urged the players to regard the UTCA management and support staff as their "social parents" as these professionals who nurture their talent, guide their discipline, and provide them with opportunities and platforms beyond the boundaries of their homes and families.
He motivated the players to respect the system, trust their mentors, and make the most of the opportunities provided to them, reminding them that success in sports is not achieved alone, but through the support and guidance of many people who work behind the scenes.
Keswani lauded the players not only for their physical strength but also stressed the importance of emotional and spiritual strength, which together create the aura of a complete player. He added that energy and alertness are not only essential for success in life, but are equally crucial in sports, where focus, discipline, and mental strength often make the difference between good players and great players.Later, he conducted a series of team-building activities aimed at strengthening teamwork.
Present on the occasion, Vivek Atray, former IAS officer and TEDx speaker, inspired the players with motivational stories of sportspersons from underprivileged backgrounds such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Wimbledon champion Arthur Ashe, and a Japanese judoka who competed despite having only one functional hand. Through these examples, he encouraged players to be grateful for what they have and to make the best use of the opportunities and resources available to them.
He advised players to look at the bigger picture of life, explaining that life is not just about achieving one goal after another, but about finding joy, peace, and happiness through the journey. He also emphasized that concentration and determination are extremely important in sports
Later, a six-member team of Ayurveda experts led by Dr. Ish Sharma from Jeena Sikho shared deep insights on the role of Ayurveda in a sportsperson's life. The team explained how Ayurveda helps in maintaining physical fitness, mental balance, stamina, recovery through natural lifestyle practices and balanced diet.
In the last session of the day, Nancy Sawhney, HoD, Department of Dietetics, PGI, Chandigarh emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for players, particularly the precise intake of calories and proteins. She also highlighted that players should pay special attention to their daily nutritional intake, hydration and meal timing to maintain energy levels and improve performance on the field.
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