Uddhav Thackeray bats for open spaces for children

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today said sports grounds and open spaces were essential for children and efforts should be made to protect the existing playgrounds in the city.
He was speaking at an event here to release the book 'Champions' by senior photojournalist Mohan Bane this evening.
Cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar who spoke at the event before Thackeray, said the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro line, the foundation stone for which was laid last month, will take a big bite out of Azad Maidan's buzzing sports life.
Vengsarkar also said infrastructure development will also affect nearby Oval Maidan where he runs a cricket academy.

Grounds and open spaces are essential for children as today's children are deprived of outdoor sports, Uddhav said.
Maharashtra sports minister Vinod Tawde, who was also present, said there was a suggestion to award extra marks to children who played outdoor games, instead of just spending time on mobiles, TVs and other electronic gadgets.