If there's one thing that singularly tops my list of priorities, then it has to be sports. I firmly believe that sports readies an individual to face the ups and downs of life with equal capacity. Most recently, my surgery reiterated my belief � if not for my love for games, I wouldn't have had the strength and discipline to face this major setback.

Unfortunately, sporting grounds in Mumbai are used more for my shows than for sports education. I agree Mumbai is like New York , with very few grounds and lack of space. But that's no excuse. Delhi , on the other hand has a lot of open space, as a kid, it enabled me to pursue whatever sport I wanted to.

My son Aryan is a gymnast and is always covered with sweat and grime. I think boys should be encouraged to be disheveled and have scraped knees and they should never look clean. I am not saying every boy in India should be Sachin Tendulkar. I'm just saying that participating in sports contributes to all round development in a big way.

It is because of sports that I learnt how to be magnanimous, large hearted and most importantly, function as part of a team. I apply this sports formula to my job. Acting is like a field game full of excitement and challenges. While I respect the opponent, the killer instinct is always predominant. I aim to be a winner and all I want is to perform better and defeat my competitor. It's like two boxers who don't hate each other but are only trying to out do the other.

At the same time, sports have taught me sportsmanship and how to take defeat in my stride. My dictum is that �You never win the silver, you always lose the gold.' A person who understands the quintessence of games discovers trust, fortitude and a will to win.

Just the other day I saw a group playing hockey and it really stimulated me. I feel very happy even when I see others play. Good education is great; but whatever said and done, sports win hands down when it comes to creating both, a health mind and a healthy body.

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