Pune: Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, will be present in the city to launch ‘Mission young and fit India’ at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Monday. 

Tendulkar will interact with sports teachers, students of the varsity for half-an-hour from 2 pm onwards at Chandrashekhar Auditorium in Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).

“The purpose of the mission is to create awareness about sports among every student in the university and affiliated students including those who participate in several sports and other students,” said Deepak Mane, Dean of physical education.

“Earlier, summer vacation would mean only playing for students. However, over the years, a sense of lethargy is felt among students towards sports. This is very dangerous as we may be moving towards an unfit generation,” said Arvind Shaligram, Registrar at SPPU.

Deepak Mane added that the entire mission does not aim to popularise any particular game but to bring students to the ground. “It is essential that youngsters get involved in physical activity. It should be imbibed in the public consciousness that playing any game and exercising your body is very vital for a healthy lifestyle,” said Mane.

Apart from a presentation on mental health, a discussion will also be held about how to integrate sports and academics. “The attendance is by invitation only in the event. Around 250 people from educational institutes and sports directors have been called for the event,” said officials.