Give equal importance to education: Prasad

Ex-cricketer gives away SJAN-Raisoni Achievers sports awards

"Never let your education suffer. Education helps in shaping the career of a sportsperson. Give your best on the playfield but at the same time give equal importance to education,” was the advise by former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad to budding sportspersons of the city, who were honoured with SJAN-Raisoni Achievers Sports Awards, on Thursday.
Speaking as the chief guest during the awards function organised by Sports Journalists' Association of Nagpur in association with Raisoni Group at Sai Sabhagruh, Prasad asked the sportspersons to be responsible and humble.
Raisoni Group chairman Sunil Raisoni presided over the function while Commissioner of Police KK Pathak was the guest of honour. Former Mayor Atal Bahadur Singh and educationist Dinanath Dasture also shared the dais.
Citing the examples of his India team-mates Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman, Javagal Srinath and Rahul Dravid, the Karnataka pacer said all of these great cricketers were highly qualified in academics too.
“Anil and Srinath are engineers, Rahul is an MBA, Laxman is also holds a high degree. It shows how education plays an important role in a sportsperson’s life.
“Unfortunately, we still cannot take sports as a profession in our country,” he added.
Prasad advised the youths to give importance to discipline and responsibility in the life. “Great cricketers like Sachin, Kumble and Dravid are very humble and that is the secret of their success.
“With success comes power and with power comes responsibility. It is very important to have the right attitude on and off the field. Be humble, respect the elders and enjoy what you are doing, success will automatically follow,” Prasad said.
Prasad also hailed the journalists for standing by him when he was removed as India’s bowling coach without any reason.
“Whatever I am is because of you scribes. They stood by me during my period of crisis, when the BCCI removed me as India’s bowling coach despite doing well,” he said.
In his presidential address, Sunil Raisoni said the Raisoni Group had always encouraged budding and needy sportspersons of the city.
Commissioner of Police Pathak also appealed to the corporates to come forward and encourage the abundant talent in this region.
Footballer Alwyn George, kho-kho player Deepali Sabane, cricketer Siddhesh Neral and chess wonder-kid Divya Deshmukh were honoured on the occasion. Prof. Sharad Suryavanshi was felicitated for his contribution in development of athletics in the region. Khaparkheda’s Maharashtra Vidyalaya and PWS College were also honoured for sports promotion.

Atal feted with lifetime
achievement award

Former mayor and current president of Nagpur District Football Association Atal Bahadur Singh was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion.
In a highly emotional display of love towards the ‘Santa Claus’ of city’s sports, people gave a standing ovation to the veteran sports organiser when he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award amid thunderous claps.
SJAN secretary Kishor Bagde made the introductory remarks. Prof Prakash Kolte and SJAN president Dr Ram Thakur conducted the proceedings. Treasurer Suhas Nayse proposed a vote of thanks.


Well...Sachin is a genius!

VENKATESH Prasad was a master of the slower ball in his playing days. He had to use this knack yet again during his speech when he was stressing on the importance of education in sports.
Prasad was giving examples of Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, all of whom have excellent educational qualifications. However, when he also mentioned Sachin Tendulkar in the list of greats Prasad had to quickly resort to his ‘slower one’ as the Master Blaster has no great academic record to boast of.
“Well.... Sachin is a genius! There are some people who are always an exception. They are very few and that is why they are called genius,” Prasad said with a chuckle, evoking big laugh from the audience.