SHILLONG, Aug 29: Cyclist Rojit Singh Yanglem on Monday interacted with the youth of Shillong on the benefits of a balanced diet and maintaining a disciplined life in the Meghalaya edition of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ ‘Meet the Champion’ event to mark National Sports Day.

The track cyclist interacted with more than 200 students at St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School.

The athlete explained the importance of sports and a healthy lifestyle in a student’s life and stressed on the importance of having a well-balanced diet. Yanglem shared his story and gave an insight on his training and highlighted the role of hard work and dedication in excelling in sports.

Students at St. Anthony’s came up with interesting questions on sports, fitness and nutrition among others, which were satisfactorily answered by the ace cyclist.

The Principal of St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School Rev Fr Anthony Kharkongor expressed gratitude towards the Government of Meghalaya and Government of India for selecting their school for ‘Meet the Champion’ programme.

He praised the initiative of the Government and exclaimed that these motivating interactions will not only bring a positive change in schoolchildren but also will inspire them to follow the paths of these great athletes, the heroes who have brought laurels to the nation.

As part of ‘Meet the Champion, Yanglem also played basketball with the students. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the initiative to celebrate this important day. He also said that he is trying very hard to improve his performance adding that his future plan is to represent India at the 2024 Olympics.

The track cyclist who was part of the team event of the recent Commonwealth Games held at Birmingham and finished in sixth place.

PM’s unique school visit campaign, ‘Meet the Champion’ aims to prepare and connect the young school students with the champions. The aim is to acknowledge and ready them with champion qualities to face the world in any sphere of life.

The campaign was kicked off by Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra in December 2021. It has reached various parts of the country over the past few months.

Many prominent athletes have visited schools and interacted with the students in 26 locations across the country to celebrate the National Sports Day.