Waugh unveils project for 'Sports City'
Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh on Monday unveiled a project for construction of the 'International Sports City' to be built at a site in Burdwan district of West Bengal, about 100 km from here.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: February 15, 2011 02:49 PM IST
Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh on Monday unveiled a project for construction of the 'International Sports City' to be built at a site in Burdwan district of West Bengal, about 100 km from here.
Unveiling the project at a five star facility here, the two-time captain of the World Cup winning Australian team said, "There has been significant changes in the sporting atmosphere and mindset of people in India in the last five years."
"Sports is becoming more important to Indians and especially after the IPL the young ones are getting hooked and looking out for opportunities in sports," Waugh said.
"The idea of building this sporting city is to utilise the huge untapped potential of India in the sporting arena.... Besides, this will also enable children of families living in the vicinity to focus on sporting activities," he said.
Asked whether he would take up the role of a coach for the youngsters at the proposed complex, Waugh replied that initially he would oversee the setting up of the facilities.
"Afterwards I might chip in for coaching if required," the Aussie star said.
Rahul Todi, Managing Director of Shrachi Group which is building the facility, said the International Sporting City project would be constructed at Renaissance township in Burdwan.
The township was being built by the leading real estate group in collaboration with Waugh-owned 'Sporting Edge' on 12 acres of land.
Todi said initially they had plans to make facilities for cricket and football, the two most popular games in the country, at an investment of Rs 12-13 crore.
Subsequently they would also add tennis, basketball, swimming and other events in the sporting city with an additional budget of Rs 15-20 crore.
"Besides children and youth from West Bengal, the youngsters from neighbouring states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa could avail the facility," Todi said.