India can produce 'world beaters' with infrastructure, says Ganguly

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his belief that the one hindering factor for India's lack of world class athletes was its infrastructure, which, if improved, could churn out 'world beaters' in 10 years.

Sourav Ganguly..."[For the second India-New Zealand Test] the Eden is ready and we are doing our best to get crowds in large numbers."

Indian athletes may have been a letdown in the Olympics but former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly believes they India could churn out 'world beaters' in 10 years' time if they were provided the right 'facilities and infrastructure'.

Drawing a parallel with cricket, he said, "The reason why we have done well in cricket is because the BCCI has been able to give us great facilities. We have world class stadia all over India be it in a small centre like Ranchi. One running event won't produce a champion overnight. You give them facilities and infrastructure, I can guarantee you they will become world beaters in 10 years time," Ganguly, who was unveiled as the face of third Kolkata 25K run to be held on December 18, said.

The event is held in five categories for 25 kilometres (elite and amateurs), Open 10K, Ananda Run (6K), Senior Citizen's and Champions with disability over 4K.

Big moment

The Eden Gardens is gearing up to host the second India versus New Zealand Test from September 30, which will also mark its 501st appearance in the longer format. The Cricket Association of Bengal president said Eden Gardens is ready and the board would not leave any stone unturned to make it special.

The Eden will install a giant Lord's like bell before the Test and every morning it will ring to mark the beginning of the day's proceedings. "The Eden is ready and we are doing our best to get crowds in large numbers. To begin with the Eden will host a talk show of former cricketers V.V.S. Laxman, Virender Sehwag and there are a host of other events lined up," he added.