Go out and play, Modi tells young

New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) Asking the youths to step out and play rather than remained glued to their computers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the playing field was more important than play station.

Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme "Mann ki Baat", Modi raised the concern that the youths of present generation prefer e-sports over actual sports.

"In this era of computers, I would urge the young generation that the playing field is more important than play station (video game)" Modi said.

The Prime Minister said this in the context of National Sports Day on August 29, marked in the memory of hockey star Major Dhyan Chand.

"Do play FIFA (games) on computer but sometimes also show your moves in a real game of football in the field. Playing cricket below the sky in an open field has its own fun," Modi said.

"While earlier parents used to wonder when their children would return from the play field, now they wonder when they would step out.

"Today, when children return home, they either watch cartoon films or play games on the mobile phone. Their mothers have to yell to get them to play outside."