New sports infrastructure will inspire athletes: Kieren Perkins
Kieren Perkins, who is a sports icon in Australia, believes that the Commonwealth Games will help India enter the big league in sports by creating world class infrastructure.
By Ishani Duttagupta, ET Bureau |
Australian long-distance swimmer and Olympics gold medallist Kieren Perkins is in India for the Commonwealth Games and to represent Business Club Australia, the Australian government’s official networking programme which was launched in India during the Games. Ranked among the world’s best long-distance swimmers, he won gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and achieved 11 world records, two Olympic silver medals and more than a dozen Commonwealth and World Championship medals. He was also an integral part of the Australian delegation sent to Monaco in 1993 to bid for the 2000 Olympics. Perkins, who is a sports icon in Australia, believes that the Commonwealth Games will help India enter the big league in sports by creating world class infrastructure. He spoke to ET about the legacy that he sees Delhi 2010 creating for young sportspersons in India. Excerpts from the interview.
You were closely involved with the Sydney Olympic Games. What legacy do you see being created by the Commonwealth Games in India?
The Sydney Olympics helped create sports infrastructure that will support athletes in Australia for generations. In the same way, sporting infrastructure has been created in India which will inspire young athletes here. There’s also the palpable excitement and enthusiasm around the games - the feeling of national pride is likely to inspire Indian sportpersons of the future. The Sydney Games helped us create huge opportunities for young athletes.
In Australia, you’re considered a role model. How do you see yourself inspiring youngsters?
Australia has always had a strong sporting culture with swimming as a popular sport. And to a great extent, the popularity of sportspersons is the continuing legacy of the Sydney Olympic Games. Young people developed a sense of identity with the games and many of the nation’s sporting icons were born at the Olympics.
You now work for the financial services sector in Australia and this visit is part of a business delegation. What synergies do you see between sports and business?
The business opportunities around a sporting event are huge. From the hi-tech stadiums to the fireworks display and the electronics support—there are a large number of Australian companies involved with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Going forward, many new partnerships will be forged between Australian and Indian companies in the sports segment. The starting point of some of these relationships has been the Commonwealth Games. For me and many others, the CWG has provided the opportunity to meet many of our future business partners in India face to face.
As one of the world’s best long distance swimmers, which was your most glorious moment?
I’ve participated in three Olympic Games and the best moments were obviously winning the two gold medals. But the Commonwealth Games have also been very special for me. There’s nothing magical about winning Olympics Gold medals - sportspersons have a dream and have to work very hard to achieve it.
You were closely involved with the Sydney Olympic Games. What legacy do you see being created by the Commonwealth Games in India?
The Sydney Olympics helped create sports infrastructure that will support athletes in Australia for generations. In the same way, sporting infrastructure has been created in India which will inspire young athletes here. There’s also the palpable excitement and enthusiasm around the games - the feeling of national pride is likely to inspire Indian sportpersons of the future. The Sydney Games helped us create huge opportunities for young athletes.
In Australia, you’re considered a role model. How do you see yourself inspiring youngsters?
Australia has always had a strong sporting culture with swimming as a popular sport. And to a great extent, the popularity of sportspersons is the continuing legacy of the Sydney Olympic Games. Young people developed a sense of identity with the games and many of the nation’s sporting icons were born at the Olympics.
You now work for the financial services sector in Australia and this visit is part of a business delegation. What synergies do you see between sports and business?
ADVERTISEMENT
The business opportunities around a sporting event are huge. From the hi-tech stadiums to the fireworks display and the electronics support—there are a large number of Australian companies involved with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Going forward, many new partnerships will be forged between Australian and Indian companies in the sports segment. The starting point of some of these relationships has been the Commonwealth Games. For me and many others, the CWG has provided the opportunity to meet many of our future business partners in India face to face.
As one of the world’s best long distance swimmers, which was your most glorious moment?
I’ve participated in three Olympic Games and the best moments were obviously winning the two gold medals. But the Commonwealth Games have also been very special for me. There’s nothing magical about winning Olympics Gold medals - sportspersons have a dream and have to work very hard to achieve it.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
