Manish Wadhwa on National Sports Day: Entertainment is different from sports, but sadly they have been mixed up a lot these days, this should stop

Sports in India have a great future if things are done right, feels actor Manish Wadhwa. He talks about how sports keep us fit and healthy both mentally and physically. National Sports Day spread awareness about the importance of sports in our lives, honours players, and varied national sports teams in India. Talking on the occasion, the actor says every kid should be motivated to take up one sport and that entertainment and sports should not be confused. He explains his standpoint.

“Our National sport is hockey. This year in the Olympics both the men and women teams have done really well. Unfortunately, we didn’t win gold but we reached there. Next time, we’ll definitely win a medal,” says the actor, known for tv shows, Chandragupta Maurya, Paramavatar Shri Krishna and Hero – Gayab Mode On.  Since childhood Manish has been playing cricket. He watches cricket and has also grown fond of other sporting activities like football and hockey while growing up.

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“I feel games and sports have taken the place of entertainment. Entertainment is different from sports, but sadly they have been mixed up a lot these days. Earlier people used to go to watch games. Now I feel there are a lot of other things that have been added. Previously there used to applaud with claps and whistles but now they play music. The moment entertainment comes into picture it will include screenplay, dialogues, and a story is written too. Please leave sports to sports,” he sounds unhappy with this set-up.

Manish urges that we teach kids sports since childhood and don’t put entertainment into it. Both when separate from each other does flourish better, as that way all the hard work and difficulties people face in both these areas get respected and recognized.

“Players go through so much to do well, especially those who come from simple backgrounds. That needs to change. Those in the entertainment field also have to hustle a lot… Kids should be encouraged to play whatever games they are interested in. They should be motivated both at home and at school. We are number two in the world in terms of population, but in terms of winning medals, we are much behind. But things are getting better, I hope it continues to do so,” he ends on a note of hope.