Hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander, who represented the Netherlands in three Olympics and three World Cups, interacted with budding players at JRD Tata sports complex.

While talking about what it takes to be a champion, he urged the participants to never be satisfied with the small wins, instead always go for the big wins. He also mentioned that it is important for an athlete to take a break from their primary sport and try other sport disciplines to help improve their performance and focus.

The Sports Division of Tata Steel had organised an interactive session for the Tata Steel coaches, cadets and trainees of the academies and training centers to mark International Olympic Day.

Khel Ratna and Padma Shri Awardee, Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and felicitated the winners. She praised Tata Steel’s efforts towards development of sports in the country and motivated the participants with her words. She also interacted with the Tata Steel coaches, cadets and trainees of the academies and training centers. She spoke about her early days, challenges and the support she received from the Government of India during the tournaments. She encouraged the participants to work hard towards their goals irrespective of what people around them may say.

To commemorate World Handball Day, which also falls today, Tata Steel Sports department organised an Intra-Training Centres and Academies handball tournament. In the Girls’ category, Basketball Training Centre emerged winner whereas Roller-Skate Training Centre were the runners up. In the Boys’ category, Athletics Training Centre emerged winners whereas Roller-Skate Training Centre were the runners up.

“Sports is a way of life” at Tata Steel and the company has been promoting & encouraging sports for nearly a century. Tata Steel spearheads the corporate promotion of sports and has been hosting various tournaments of both National and International standards.

India’s participation in the Olympics was made possible by Sir Dorabji Tata, an athlete, expert rower, and a fine horseman himself. He financed the national contingent to the Antwerp Olympics in 1920 and bore part of the expenses incurred on India’s participation in the Paris Olympics held in 1924. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was formed in 1927 with Sir Dorab as its first President. The IOA selected the Indian team for the 1928 Olympics held at Amsterdam, where India won the gold medal in hockey.