Wouldn't completely rule out potential foreign club acquisition: RPSG, ATK owner Sanjiv Goenka
Sanjiv Goenka is slowly, yet steadily established himself as a powerhouse in India’s ever-growing ‘Sports League’ industry. After the recent acquisition of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG), there are plans of an expansion in football sector.
He said, “Ateltico de Kolkata has not broken even yet, but we didn’t plan for a model for just two years. As per our existing plan for the ISL, we can see the light ahead. I can see stable profitability in it.”
Speaking about his new-found love for sport in India, Goenka didn’t rule out the potential of investing in foreign ventures. He said, “If it had to be it would be a football club, I don’t see us getting into buying a foreign cricket team yet. We could have a look at how things go here and then see if we can apply the same system abroad. Also, of course a solid financial structure has to be set.”
For now, he is looking to add to his existent ATK franchise by initiating a football academy. He added, “It is very important for grass-root level in Kolkata to develop. There are a lot of good players, who don’t get the facilities required, this particular academy will target to find the best, who might even one day graduate to ATK.”
RPSG and India limited overs Captain MS Dhoni officially launched the team jersey yesterday. The squad includes national stalwarts such as Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin. Foreign imports, including the likes of Faf Du Plessis and Albie Morkel also bolster the squad’s strength. They spent Rs 60 crore, at the recently concluded IPL auctions.