Already a popular businessman, Sanjiv Goenka is now starting to carve a niche in the sports arena too. The owner of the newly launched Rising Pune Supergiants in the cash-rich IPL, is also part of the coalition which controls the Kolkata franchise in the football extravaganza, ISL.
Now, he is eager to expand his business interest in other nations as well. Firstpost reported the Kolkata-based businessman speaking about his future plans including a possible acquisition of foreign football teams.
The 54-year old revealed, “It could be expansion activity in the sports that we are already present in. We could hypothetically look at acquiring a football club overseas. But our immediate focus is to build a football academy and get into grassroots football. We will also look at expanding (group’s presences) to other sports. I am enjoying my tryst with sports.”
Goenka also affirmed that he had learnt quite a lot from the first two editions of the ISL. Despite Atletico de Kolkata not venturing into the profit zone yet, he sounded enthusiastic about his experience in the football event.
He enthused, “I can see the path to profitability.” Meanwhile, his IPL team which was bought for 16 crore Indian rupees made several high-profile signings from the recently held Player Auction. Led by the inimitable MS Dhoni, Rising Pune Supergiants also comprises of Ajinkya Rahane, Kevin Pietersen, Faf du Plessis, Irfan Pathan, Ravichandran Ashwin and the current Australian captain in Steve Smith. Adding a touch of Kiwi flavour will be Stephen Fleming’s presence as the head coach.
It feels very different to lead a different IPL team: Dhoni
During the jersey launch of his new team, an emotional Dhoni asserted that he would be lying if he said that he has moved on from Chennai Super Kings. The Indian limited-over captain also paid his gratitude to the people of Chennai for their support and love.
He said: "After eight years of IPL, it feels very different to lead a different team. After eight years at CSK, if you ask me to say that I am very happy to be in a new team it would be difficult for me.
“I am grateful to the franchise and the people of Chennai for all the love and affection. I would be lying if I say that I have moved on. The emotional connect is a special part of being a human being,"
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