India stalwarts honoured on Sports Day

The foundation of a good human being is laid at school — be it through academics or sport

The foundation of a good human being is laid at school — be it through academics or sport.


Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer (left) and Yuva Sena leader Aditya Thackeray felicitate former India football striker Abhishek Yadav (centre) on Saturday 

Former India sportsmen Kamlesh Mehta and Abhishek Yadav vouched for this during a felicitation ceremony for sportspersons organised by the Abhi Foundation on the occasion of National Sports Day at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) on Saturday.

India table tennis stalwart Kamlesh Mehta emphasised on the significant role a school plays in making a champion.

"I would not be standing here in front of you to receive this award had my school (St Joseph's, Wadala) not supported me as I went on to represent my district, state and the country for various events," said eight-time national champion Mehta, who received his award from former India wicketkeeper-batsman Farokh Engineer and Yuva Sena president Aditya Thackeray.

Former India captains Dilip Vengsarkar (cricket), Dhanraj Pillay (hockey) and football striker Abhishek Yadav were also felicitated by Abhi Foundation, the charitable trust run by former India hockey goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi.

Yadav, who is currently a part of Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Mumbai City FC said he was eternally grateful to his alma mater for his professional success. "I came to Mumbai as a 10-year-old from New Delhi and joined Don Bosco (Matunga).

I was an average player in school but the school's impressive sporting structure gave me the first platform to showcase my ability," he said.

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