Tennis Legend Andre Agassi Advocates for Sports Integration in Education
MUMBAI, DECEMBER 10, 2024 (PTI);
In a bid to revolutionize the education sector by incorporating sports as an essential part of it, tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi has emphasized that problem-solving skills are at the core of every sport. Addressing his advocacy for using sports in teaching children important life values while speaking about his future projects related to educational endeavors.
During a session at the TiE Global Summit 2024 held in Bengaluru, Agassi shared insights into why he believes sports can be a crucial part of an educational system. The renowned tennis star highlighted how through sports like tennis, young minds can learn valuable life lessons, such as not just winning and losing but also focusing on improvement.
Agassi has also credited his own journey as a testament to the power of incorporating sports - or in his case, tennis. His long-standing commitment to improving education – starting with disadvantaged children since 2001 – saw him build over 130 schools catering to more than 80,000 students across the United States. The efforts were largely inspired to maintain an ongoing forward trajectory by staying ahead of challenges.
Agassi's emphasis on problem-solving was particularly apparent in how his grueling yet strategic approach helped cultivate these crucial skills during his time in tennis. "Sports is all about problem-solving," he said. As a professional fighter on the court, Agassi went through trying phases to mature into what he has achieved today.
While addressing his past rebellious phase and overcoming personal vulnerabilities, he shared the importance that such vulnerability brings humility as we move forward with education. The session also had Aakash Chaudhry, Co-Founder of AESL (Aakash Educational Services Limited) who delved into EdTech and explored how technology would play the key role in bridging personalized learning gaps.
Agassi firmly supports investing in EdTech ventures because he believes it can scale up teaching methods. His association with Square Panda showcased why he is keen on using this technology for its potential to educate children and break language barriers around educational institutions.