The legendary Allan Border is moved after watching Slumdog Millionaire, the Danny Boyle Academy Award-winning movie. The story of an impoverished Mumbai teenager growing up in the slums but making his own fortune against all odds went down well with the tough-as-nail former Australian skipper.

Border hopes at least one, if not more of the 1200 children rescued through an anti-child labour campaign in Mumbai, will choose sport as means to a healthier and fulfilling future.

Along with former Australian medium-pacer Damien Fleming, Border took these children through some basic drills at the DY Patil Cricket Stadium in Nerul on Thursday. Australian women's cricketer Melanie Jones, former National Basketball League players Bret Wheeler and Darren Smith were among other role models of Red Dust, a non-profit health promotion charity organisation involved in teaching children life and sport skills.

"The simple message to these children is to have fun. It is good for them to imbibe teamwork and camaraderie at an early age. We understand that the kids we work with in Mumbai have had a very tough upbringing. So we want to bring some fun back into their lives and have some fun doing it as well," Border told DNA on the sidelines of the event co-hosted by Pratham, an NGO that works with deprived children.

The time spent with children has left a lasting impression on the former Australia captain.

"When you come as a cricketer you stay in five-star hotels and get looked after incredibly well and play at great stadiums. On those trips you don't see the real India but through these programmes you get to see the real India or a different side of India. It's different from where we come from. Trying to help these children in whatever way we can is good for us. It makes you more appreciative of the lifestyle you live," Border said.

"We want a Slumdog Cricketer. It would be fantastic if we had a kid come through the ranks starting out… Doing some simple drills we put them through and then just get opportunities to go on and play for India," he added.

Talking about the Oscar-winning movie, Border said: "I think it is outstanding. Because I have been to India as a player and a commentator I have great appreciation for the story line. It deserved the eight Oscars it got."

Jones, who played 61 ODIs for Australia, is confident that one of these children will grow up to become a professional athlete. "It's too early to say but I don't see any reason why one of these children cannot make a living out of sports."

Nihal Koshie/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication