Shrug off the heat and come out to play, says former cricketer Dahiya

Noida: Shikha Suri, a mother of two, is often disheartened when she sees her 13-year-old daughter while away her summer vacation in front of her playstation and laptop. "During my childhood, the heat never bothered me. We played outside for hours during the summer vacations. Today, these gadgets have become the playground for kids. I don't know how to pique her interest in outdoor sports," Shikha said.
Many parents, like Shikha, are worried about their children's increasing disinterest in outdoor activities. TOI 's Noida for Kids workshop on Saturday, which will be conducted by cricketer Vijay Dahiya, will address the issue at Smaaash at DLF Mall of India.
A former Indian cricketer, and current coach for the Delhi team, Vijay told TOI, "Outdoor sport is extremely important, especially during childhood. The heat shouldn't bother children. Cricket, like any other outdoor sport, helps improve stamina and physical fitness among children. I would therefore like to give out a message to all children to come out and play sports even during summer."
Participants, meanwhile, eagerly wait for the workshop. "I am looking forward to playing with the famous cricketer. I think the workshop will help me know where I stand in cricket," said Pranav, a 15-year-old who wants to become a cricketer.
Meanwhile, soccer fans will get the opportunity to pick up some mean skills at the Noida for Kids football workshop, to be conducted by Paris Saint-Germain Football Academy later in the day. Participants hope to make full use of this workshop, considering the few options available for quality football training in India. "PSG is one of Europe's biggest clubs. It will be a huge honour to learn from such experienced and trained coaches. I am a big fan of football but there are not many opportunities to learn in India," said Charuvi Garg (14).
Some also hope to make the workshop a stepping stone to a career in football. The organizers also hope to help participants brush up their skills or learn some new techniques. "The workshop will train them in the basic techniques of football, like shooting, passing, defending, etc," said Rajesh, a coach from PSG Academy. Rajesh said participants would be introduced to the curriculum set by top players in the sport. "All the exercises are decided by top coaches of PSG, which are followed by all schools run by PSG.
"We hope to give the children a message of sportsmanship and integrity involved in all sports, apart from soccer skills," he said.