Kolkata: For the first time in their history, IIT Kharagpur participated in the West Bengal Sports meet by sending 6 of their students to compete in this prestigious event. The man behind this plan of encouraging students to pursue sports along with their studies is Coach Pranab Sarkar.
Pranab who is was a former teacher of DPS Ruby Park came to IIT-KGP 3 years ago and is a professor of Sports Science. He is also currently pursuing his PHD at Jadavpur University and is also a Bengal record holder and gold medal winner He has undertaken coaching from the renowned athletic coach Kuntal Ray. He has asked his students to pursue sports in their free time and his happy when some of his students responded and had fared well in the sports meet.
“Be it IIT-KGP or Jadavpur, students under pressure often take drastic steps which affects not only themselves but also their families. So I suggest they should take up sports which is an easy route to escape from the problems of life. I advise my students to practice sports after studies as it not only refreshes the mind but also keeps the body fit for the next day”
Abin Devassiya who hails from Kallicut, Kerala is a 2nd student of Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture of KGP is associated with Discuss throwing as he prefers body contact games. With only a practice of 2 months he has a record of throwing 37.22 mts which is a great achievement none the less. Abin whose idol is Md. Ali has a regret of starting sports late, at an age of 22 and thinks that he won’t be able to continue his sporting career for a longer period of time.
“If I look into my father’s case, he didn’t have any time to devote to sports but now the time has changed, generation has changed, I get good job placements but there is hardly any opportunity for sports as I have started late. But I will see to it that my next generation gets equal chance in flourishing in sports” said Abin.
Korabu Dimple Kapadia is a 23yr old student of Agriculture and Food Engineering is a 100 mts sprinter. Hailing from Vizag, she comes from a family which has been associated with sports. Her mother Shanti Prasad was a state level Kabaddi and KhoKho player while her father Mihir Prasad was a national level athlete. The 3rd year student has been associated with sports from a tender age of 5.
“I managed to study and devote myself to sports at a good level. I spent 2-3 hours daily on sports and the remaining time on studies. Coming from a sporting background has helped me a lot as I receive constant support from my parents. After completing my studies I will pursue sports as my career” said Dimple.
Utsav Mazumdar also a student of Agriculture and Food Engineering is a 20year old student who hails from Jamshedpur. The 2nd year student is a 100 mts sprinter. After joining IIT-KGP he decided to pursue sports.
“From my childhood I have been playing many sports like cricket, football, basketball etc and I decided to explore athletics. On the guidance of Sir, I have been practicing everyday and the results are at hand” said Utsav.