Suddenly there is some change in the Indian sports. It is the league culture which has emerged as the latest winner in Indian sports. It all began with the Indian cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL), soon other disciplines followed the suit, and now there are over six sports which follow the professional league format which is giving the some exposure to the non-cricket sports of India, which has made the most of it.
The first break through in professional sports came in the way of cricket competition staged between 1977 and 1979 and organised by Kerry Packer for his Australian television network. Better known as Kerry Packer series, since then it has been rising like a phoenix not only in cricket other disciplines as well.
There would be difference of opinion when this league is compared to cricket with other sports. But one thing is very clear, league is providing sportspersons a livelihood within the game, which is most neglected in our country apart from cricket.
The beneficiaries are the players. For all the sweat and tears has been compensated. And suddenly there is visibility, inspiration, infrastructure, management, and, above all things — commercial support.
And most importantly budding athletes waiting in the wings can now be assured that their hard work has a better chance of resulting in a career instead of, with extreme good fortune, just the medal. “Performance, in professional leagues, will always be the top criteria for selection and remuneration because there is too much at stake,” said Michael Yanke, the chief of UBA sales and marketing.
“I did not have the opening the youngsters have today, which is very good for the sport in the country in general and particularly for the disciplines which conduct this kind of league,” said the Chennai Slams, coach Prasanna Jayprakash.
“This league (UBA) has come to stay in India and this is the country of plenty and we are here to tap them, for us it is basketball and we shall do everything possible make India among the top countries in the world,” said Yanke as he is of the opinion that women’s league will soon come in as soon as this (men’s) league is well settled. I would not or we would not vouch for it. Let us first settle with our first mission (men’s) and then the next step,’ said Yanke.
Basketball has now been among the few chosen lot, and the next move would be to bring in franchises which will further enhance the league, and which we will soon wetness,” opined Yanke.
The professional league seeds have been sowed and now it is left to the upbringing of the plant which more important.
