Kolkata: It was a year ago that former India and Bengal cricketer Arun Lal suffered from jaw cancer and while speaking from a Kolkata hospital, he had said that he needed just, “two months” to recover from the disease. After a 14-hour long surgery, the braveheart not only conquered the disease but also became an inspiration to many.
Speaking at an event in the city on a wet Saturday afternoon, the cricketer-turned-commentator spoke about the importance of sportsmanship in one’s life.
“The most important thing that one inculcates as a sportsperson, not necessarily at the highest level is the sportsman spirit. All of us talk of sportmanship. It’s indeterminate and yet we know what it is. And that is the essence of sport. Everything else like character-building and physical well-being is alright but sportman’s spirit is what a sportsman gets to try and give back to society,” said Lal.
The Tata Steel 25K Marathon, which began in Kolkata in the year 2014 is all set to have an international flavour to it with the participation of World Champions Kenenisa Bekele. Long Jump record holder Mike Powell would too be present at the event.
While commenting on the significance of running, the former wicket-keeper batsman said, “I used to run around 340 days in a year. I find it exhilarating, adding value and character. It adds to my well being and self esteem. The youngsters and seniors understand this now. The most important thing you inculcate as a sportsperson is sportsmanship. It’s indeterminate and yet it makes us a better human being. This is what a sportsperson gives back to the society. We should adopt running as a way of life and in imbibing the spirit of running we give back a healthy society.”
The event would also have a special category known as the Police Cup, in recognition for the support provided by the police.
Said Vineet Goel, who is the Additional Commissioner of Police and also the working president West Bengal Athletic Association, “Running is the easiest sport today and growing the fastest. It is one sport that is basic to all kind of sports. It really contributes to the fitness and healthy lifestyle. We are doing the best to make the best arrangement and we are proud that it has gone international this year. We will do our best to see that it becomes a star event.”
He further added, “We have 1000 policemen taking part in this event that includes teams taking part in the Police Cup. Seeing the visibility and enthusiasm of TSK 25K, other races are also coming up. Our Road Safety campaign has seen 25 per cent lesser accidents in last one year. Running is a very important way to take this message forward. So on Jan 7, 2018, we are doing a marathon to spread the message. Procam International is coming out in a big way to help us in this event. We urge the people to come and join us at this run too on the chilly Monday morning next year.”