Former India cricket captain MS Dhoni has urged members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to make physical fitness and healthy living a priority, warning that changing food habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles could affect their health in the long run.
Speaking at an event on October 24 alongside veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar, Dhoni highlighted how everyday routines have changed over the years. He pointed out that while earlier generations engaged in more physical labour as part of their daily lives, younger people today spend considerably more time sitting and have fewer opportunities for natural physical activity.
Dhoni’s message was not limited to professional athletes or people who regularly visit gyms. Instead, he encouraged young people to participate in sports, explore different physical activities and develop healthy habits from an early age. He emphasised that fitness should be treated as a long-term investment rather than something people pursue only when they begin experiencing health problems. 
Dhoni Explains How Food Habits and Modern Lifestyles Have Changed
Dhoni discussed how India’s traditional food culture developed around lifestyles that involved considerable physical work. He explained that carbohydrate-rich meals were suited to a time when people naturally burned more energy through their daily activities.
However, he observed that similar eating patterns continue among younger generations even though their levels of physical activity have declined significantly.
“Our food culture, if you see, depending on where you come from, it is still carbohydrate-rich food. The reason for that was because in our daily lifestyle, physical hard work was on the higher side. Now, the same food has been transferred to the newer generation, but the kind of physical activity has gone down drastically,” Dhoni said.
He also expressed concern about the growing popularity of fast food, sugary products and fried foods. According to him, these choices can become particularly problematic when combined with an inactive lifestyle.
Dhoni recalled that when he was growing up, fast food culture was only beginning to become popular in India. Today, however, it has become a regular part of many people’s diets.
He pointed out that people increasingly rely on vehicles for commuting, spend long hours sitting at office desks and return home without getting enough movement throughout the day. This lifestyle shift makes it important to consciously include physical activity in everyday routines. 
Why Dhoni Wants Children to Participate in Different Sports
One of Dhoni’s key suggestions was that children should participate in as many sports as possible during their school years. He encouraged parents and schools to provide opportunities for children to explore different activities instead of focusing only on academics or a single sport.
He explained that children may discover interests and abilities they did not know they possessed simply by trying different games and physical activities.
“So what I would request them is, right from an early stage, when they are in school, participate in each and every sport. Whatever sport is happening in your school, participate in that. We don’t know what you will be good at,” he said.
Dhoni clarified that the purpose of playing sports is not necessarily to become a professional athlete. Instead, regular participation can help children develop physical strength and establish habits that remain beneficial as they grow older.
He also pointed out that people who have played sports or maintained fitness routines earlier in life may find it easier to remain physically active during middle age.
“Everybody won’t become an athlete, but when you are above 30, 35, you will realise that the people who have done fitness before or played sports, they actually have a much better midlife. You need that strength,” he said. 
Dhoni Says Fitness Is an Investment in Yourself and Your Family
Dhoni also explained that physical fitness is important because it allows people to enjoy their lives and spend meaningful time with their families. He said people often focus on earning money to provide for their parents, spouses and children but may overlook the importance of staying healthy enough to enjoy everyday experiences with them.
He raised the example of parents wanting to play with their children and spend active time together. According to him, maintaining physical fitness is essential to enjoying these moments.
Dhoni said that taking care of one’s health should be considered an investment not only in oneself but also in the people who depend on them.
He encouraged young people to set aside at least one hour every day for physical activity, explaining that everyone can make some time for their well-being despite busy schedules.
“We all are worried about our parents. If I earn money, I can take care of my parents. If I earn money, I will take care of my wife and my sons, daughters, whoever. But the whole thing is, can you enjoy playing with your sons and daughters? For that, you need the physical fitness,” he said. 
Sports Teach Life Lessons Beyond Physical Fitness
Beyond its health benefits, Dhoni highlighted how sports can help young people develop important life skills. He explained that playing games teaches individuals how to handle both success and failure, accept results and improve after setbacks.
According to him, sports also help people understand how to behave when they win and how to respond when things do not go their way. These lessons can prove valuable in education, professional life and personal relationships.
Dhoni’s advice was to take up recreational sports even if someone has no ambition to compete professionally. Activities such as running, cycling, swimming, badminton or playing a team sport can help people remain active and build consistency.
His central message was simple: young people should not wait until their health begins to suffer before making fitness a priority.
“Take care of yourself. Even if you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for the people who are around you. Because that is the bare minimum that is needed,” he said. 
A Reminder for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to Build Healthy Habits Early
Dhoni’s comments highlight the importance of addressing sedentary behaviour and unhealthy food choices at an early age. With technology, convenience services and screen-based entertainment becoming part of everyday life, children and young adults may need to make a conscious effort to remain physically active.
His message is that fitness should not be limited to gym sessions or professional sports. It can begin with simple daily choices, including walking more, playing outdoors, trying different sports and being mindful of food habits.
By encouraging children to explore sports early and asking young adults to dedicate time to their health, Dhoni has underlined the importance of building habits that can support well-being throughout life.