New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) National sports federations should take a cue from cricket in marketing their events at a time when Indian athletes are doing well in Olympic sports, feels the country’s sports greats.
Olympians Viren Rasquinha and Pullela Gopichand feel it is high time for the sport federations to shed their unprofessional image and lure the corporates to invest in sports.

Rasquinha, a former hockey captain, said that sports marketing is the only way to expand the game at the grassroots level.

“There is a huge potential for Olympic sports in the country. But unfortunately not much is being done by the sports federations. They have to market the game properly and generate revenue to build a solid grassroots programme,” said Rsquinha.

He holds an MBA degree from the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB) and is the chief executive of Olympic Gold Quest He was speaking at the Global Sports Summit ‘Turf 2009′ organised by FICCI here Tuesday.

“It is an exciting time for Olympic sports in India. Last year we won three Olympic medals first time in India’s history. Sports federations have to cash in on the success. Marketing is the need of the hour for all Indian sports then only we can 50 Saina Nehwals in the country,” he said.

National badminton coach Gopichand, who is the second Indian after Prakash Padukone to win the All England Championships, said: “In a country like India it becomes extremely difficult for all sportsperson to get jobs. So in such a scenario it becomes very important for sports federations to generate revenue and help players make a career out of the game.”

“When I started playing my parents were very anxious whether I would get a job or not. I was lucky to get a job with the Tatas at the age of 18. But not many are lucky like me. For many sportsperson getting a job that gives them a social security is a priority. But if they can make a living out of sports, what better than that?” he said.