India, considered the birth place of martial arts, needs to encourage this discipline of sports, experts said today.
Participating in a three-day India Martial Arts Fest near here in Pune, they said the age-old combat practices are far more beneficial for physical fitness and agility than any other sport.
"In India I don't see many people practising martial arts. They are busy in cricket. Two teams are playing and the other people are wasting so much time watching cricket," said Sameer Ali Khan, a mixed martial arts master from Afghanistan, at the event in this hill station.
"It (cricket) is not something healthy. You should play a sport which makes you fit, which makes you strong. Show me one cricketer who has got a good physique," he added.
Sifu Cosmo Zimick, Director of Empty Hand Warrior - Juveniles Mentor Programme, USA, agreed with Khan and said though "India is the root (birthplace) of martial arts, in India people don't care."
Saru Veerji, a Shoalin Kung Fu scholar from Nepal, outlined the benefits of martial arts and said it helps people to remain healthy.
The picturesque hill station has tied-up with martial arts trainer Chitah Yajnesh Shetty to launch Chitah JKD Lavasa-Advance Module Academy.
"We believe this will provide invaluable martial arts training to many aspiring learners, while complementing the sport academies already under development within Lavasa, which today include the Sir Steve Redgrave Rowing Academy and a hockey academy with Hockey Australia (support)," said Lavasa Corporation President Nathan Andrews.
