Gopichand extols about physical literacy

Gopichand, National Chief Coach, Indian Badminton and the Chief Patron and Initiative Leader of the Programme ‘Sports 4 Life’ started a ‘Physical Literacy Days’ initiative on the one-kilometre stretch road from IDBI bank to Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Gachibowli on Sunday.

The initiative, a first-of-its-kind in India, aims to improve sports knowledge and physical literacy.

"Most of the social initiatives end on the day of the starting. But, Physical Literacy Days will continue year and beyond," informed Vishala Reddy, Lead Community Initiative under Physical Literacy Day Programme.

The day started off with bicycling, yoga training Dr Mani Pavithra, a dance performance by Anitha Peter and team, Zumba by Venu, Abhimanika and Nicy. Cyrcs organised a contest –Arm Plank; Cycling, Ball Badminton, Football, Boxing and many fun and frolic activities like Marbles, etc, were held. Jayesh Ranjan, IT Secretary, graced the occasion rode the bike along with Pullela Gopichand.

Gopichand informed that he has not seen any such initiative anywhere in India so far. “I have witnessed a similar activity in China. We as a society focus more on alphabetical literacy, numerical literacy but are forgetting about Physical Literacy, which teaches fundamental life skills and helps in personality development.

It’s time for us to bring back the legacy and pass on to our future generation,” he said.

“Variety of art, cultural, fun, fitness programmes will be introduced at identified locations in Hyderabad and free access will be given for people to participate. At present, we are kicking it off from one pilot location from the academy itself.

This is open to all communities. It doesn’t cater to any specific community. Every citizen is invited to make use of it. Our aim is to see that every individual in the city must participate in Physical Literacy Day,” the All England Open Badminton champion added.

Gopichand stated that they are not aiming at a big number, to begin with. “We will start small and scale it over a period of time. We want more and more people to join and start taking it to their communities and localities,” he informed.