By Jaya Tiwari

Nerul: Set to host Gymnastics Summer Camp 2026, Nerul Gymkhana will be focusing on nurturing young talent while promoting children’s fitness and overall development this year. The initiative aims not only to train participants but also to increase awareness about gymnastics, often referred to as the “Mother of all games.”

The camp will be led by coach Vivek D. Shinde, who emphasized the importance of the sport in early development. He said, “Gymnastics is the ‘mother of all games.’ It develops strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, skills that help children excel in any sport they choose later.” Shinde, who also serves as a Maharashtra Police gymnastics coach, further added, “The objective goes beyond recreation, aiming to identify and nurture talent through a long-term development pathway.”

To cater to different skill levels, the program is divided into two batches: Beginner and advanced. The beginner sessions are scheduled in two phases: May 4 to 15 and May 18 to 29, with one-hour classes conducted daily from Monday to Friday. The camp follows a structured and scientific training approach designed to build core athletic abilities from a young age.

Despite growing interest in sports, awareness about gymnastics remains limited. Mihir, a coach from Father Agnel’s Sports Centre, highlighted this concern, stating, “Most parents still don’t fully understand gymnastics. Awareness has to start with them.” He also pointed out the discipline required in the sport, adding that it demands precision, dedication, and consistent effort.

While challenges such as limited infrastructure and modern lifestyle habits persist, experts believe such initiatives can play a crucial role in strengthening the city’s sports culture and inspiring young athletes to pursue gymnastics seriously.