Focus on grassroot development is a must for Sports development in India : VVS Laxman
Sports investments should be a business model and not only a philanthropic initiative
VVS Laxman, India Former Cricketer, said, “All-round development over and above Academic Excellence is required for overall success and achievement. Schools should focus on the quality of sports and invest time and resources to ensure developing quality athletes from a young age.” Mr V V Laxman was addressing at Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports Summit with the theme of how to “Make India Sports-ready”.
Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman, Sports Summit and Chairman, Dempo Group said, “It is extremely important to build a dynamic sporting culture in India and the need for the government and the private sector to collaborate in order to strengthen the sports industry. Lack of inadequate public resources impede our performance in the global sporting arena. Corporate funding in sports may therefore be one of the answers to ignite development in India. The gestation period for realising returns on such investments is long, but the investments should be viewed as a business model and one has to be passionate about the goal and achievements”.
Joy Bhattacharya, Project Director, FIFA U-17 World Cup said, “Sports can be developed not only through the involvement of youth but also an entire ecosystem –
parents, schools, teachers, government, mentors etc. There is a need to mentor youth from the appropriate age, dedicate time and guidance for future development.”
The Summit saw eminent participation from senior representatives from the Sports fraternity in a day-long session of deliberations on the Summit theme.
Other eminent speakers also represented the Summit: Ayaz Memon, Indian sports writer & journalist: Yannick Colaco, Vice president and Managing Director, NBA India: Nilesh Kulkarni, Director, International Institute of Sports Management (IISM): Vita Dani, Co-owner, Chennaiyin (ISL franchisee) and Chairperson, 11even Sports (Table Tennis League), Indranil Das Blah, Chief Operating Officer, Kwan Entertainment & Marketing Solutions. Vinit Karnik, Business Head - Entertainment, Sports & Live Events, GroupM: Charu Sharma, Founder Director, Mashal Sports Pvt Ltd: Sandip Tarkas, Former CEO - Sports, media and special projects, Future Group & CEO, Bengal Tigers Kabaddi.