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The Athletics Federation Of India (AFI) is planning a big money franchise-based athletics league in India which could see former Olympic and world champions taking part in it.
In a move aimed at making track & field popular in India, AFI’s Executive Committee has discussed the possibility of starting a high stakes competition to be named Indian Athletics League (IAL), modelled along the lines of the Indian Premier League and Indian Badminton League. IAL will also be similar to the prestigious 14-leg Diamond League Series organised by the world governing body IAAF every year.
The sponsors and necessary funds being available, the AFI plans to kick off the league in August 2014. A sports management firm has provided the blueprint for the league and has been assigned the task of roping in sponsors and promoters.
“It’s early stages now. We discussed the feasibility of the league in the Executive Committee meeting as we want to raise the profile of athletics in the country. We decided that if the necessary funds and the sponsors are coming, then we can hold the league in August,” the source said.
“If our plans materialise and corporates are willing to come forward, then it will be a big ticket event which can be as big as any leagues around in the country and outside,” a top source from the AFI told PTI.
“We have to decide on the number of city-based franchise teams and the number of international stars. Each franchise teams (men and women) will have eight athletes. Either two or three of them will be international stars and the rest the Indians. There will be bidding for franchises and national and international athletes,” the source said.
Asked about the proposed league, AFI President Adille Sumariwala said, “We discussed it but we have to decide on the format and other details. We want to start a league but depends on the money available. We hope to get the funds and sponsors and then take a decision.”
