Abhishek Bachchan Wants Exclusive Stadiums for Kabaddi
New stadiums could be set up by Pro Kabaddi team owners after a couple of years when the league is in profit, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan who is the owner of the Jaipur Pink Panthers team, said.
Bollywood actor and Jaipur Pink Panthers owner Abhishek Bachchan wants to set up stadiums exclusively for kabaddi to promote and popularise the ancient Indian sport across the country.
"I wish to have stadiums dedicated only for this ancient Indian sport - kabaddi - to promote and popularise it across the country," he told reporters at the unveiling of the Pro Kabaddi League trophy here.
The stadiums could be set up by Pro Kabaddi team owners after a couple of years when the league is in profit, Abhishek said.
Talking about the long-term plans, Abhishek said he personally would like to take his association with the kabaddi league forward even after the completion of the 10-year contract.
Laying lot of emphasis on starting up a women's kabaddi league, Abhishek said: "It should start." (Also read: Indian men's kabaddi team grouped with Pakistan in Asian Games)
"Moreover, there is a huge support base coming from the women folk. 22 per cent of Pro Kabaddi League viewers are women, which is a great sign for any sport," he said.
Reacting to lot of celebrities getting involved in team ownerships in various sports, Abhishek said: "It is not the profession that matters but the level of passion that matters."
"All my Bollywood friends Shahrukh (Khan), Priety (Zinta) and Shilpa (Shetty) are owning IPL teams out of passion. They are in it for that. If you are not, then you are going to fail," he said.
"You have to be there for the love of the sport; for sportsmanship spirit and for passion. It is a business decision second. It is a passionate decision first," Abhishek said.