Legendary coach Arif supervises a training camp in Delhi – Badminton News
The badminton guru Syed Mohammed Arif may have grown old but still he never stays back when it comes to polish the raw talent of country.
Recently, Arif monitored a training camp for students of Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute (AFGJI) in Delhi to equip youngsters with basics of game and help them in elevating their skills.
This camp was organised by AFGJI Alumni Association and Arif praised the arrangements and overall atmosphere by saying that he enjoyed working with assisting staff and passionate shuttlers.
He said, "I had come for one week camp and enjoyed every moment. Fantastic premises, disciplined children and dedicated staff made the whole environment every enthusiastic."
The 68-year-old Arif, who recently was honoured with Padma Shri award, taught basic tricks of the trade. He gave them tips to enhance their gaming speed and introduced them to new technical aspects of the game.
He also made these youngsters sweat in exercise sessions to elevate their mental and physical fitness.
Former national chief coach Arif, who also guided Pullela Gopichand, Jwala Gutta and Chetan Anand in their way to glory, looked satisfied with the facilities provided by organisers.
They arranged video screenings of top players for youngsters and conducted test drills in especially built courts.
He said, "I wish the facilities available would prove to be the factory of champions for the school, state and ultimately for the country."
This seven-day training camp received an overwhelming response as Kulwant Assija, an official of AFGJI, told that over 200 applications were dispatched from which only 15 boys and nine girls were selected.
AFGJI Alumni president Parijat Punj was satisfied with this success and he declared presence of coaching maestro Arif the sole reason of attraction.
He said, "We thought of an out-of-the-box idea and we were overwhelmed by the response from the school. By having a coach of the stature of Arif Sir in itself became a motivating factor for the students."
The living legend not only inspired the talented shuttlers but he managed to spare few moments for parents also to give awareness about the importance of sports.
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