Play bigger role in sports, Bhupathi urges corporates

Calcutta News.Net
Saturday 22nd November, 2008 (IANS)

Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi feels corporates should play a bigger role in helping the country match international sports standards.

'The Indian government does not prioritise sports, but we have to move further and cannot blame anyone as every country has its own priorities,' Bhupathi told reporters here Saturday.

'India is a big country and there are many things happening simultaneously here but we have some good private sponsors who are contributing to uplifting sports,' he said.

Bhupathi was here to select the second batch of players in the 6-14 age group for the 'Apollo Tyres Mission 2018 Challenge' that aims at grooming the first Indian singles Grand Slam champion by 2018. Bhupathi is assisting in shortlisting young talent for the mission.

'There is a lot of enthusiasm among the young players in Chandigarh. I am really surprised to see the large number of children facing the trials. I can easily bet that we would not have such crowds at any other place like Delhi or Mumbai,' said Bhupathi.

'We have not pre-decided how many players we have to select. Like last year, we had come here to select only eight players but we took 20. Similarly, we will select all the talented players we come across here.'

About his personal game, Bhupathi said he is enjoying playing with his Bahamian partner Mark Knowles and is looking forward to winning some major tournaments.

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