The international striker added appropriate plans should be adopted to attract the young generation toward sporting fields.

Skipper Daei said the media particularly the press can play an effective role in creating a sound culture of sport.

They may have a negative role as well. If the negative deeds of a sportsman are aggrandized, the juniors ad youth may follow them, warned the footballer.

"Sport helps the young people get rid of many psychological problems," said the veteran player adding those sports which deal with the spirit can relieve psychological pressure, depression, and stress.

More and more people are motivated to exercise if the sporting facilities are developed at the four corners of the country, reiterated Daei.

Sport prevents youth from deviation, says Derakhshan

Former coach of Iran's youth soccer team, Hamid Derakhshan, said in Tehran on Wednesday that sport guarantees the youth's spiritual and physical health, preventing them from deviation.

The ex-captain of Iran called for cultural activities in the sport sector and added, "Holding cultural-sport festival like `Ayeen Mehr' feast will undoubtedly have positive impacts on the society's culture."

Financial problem is among those reasons that keep people away from sport, said the player-turned-coach Derakhshan adding, "But even watching the games can play a major role in preventing the young generation from misdeeds."

... Payvand News - 6/26/03 ... --