'Sports is About Opportunity': Sourav Ganguly Lauds Indian Racing League at Goa Street Circuit

The atmosphere was electric at the newly inaugurated Goa Street Circuit as the Indian Racing League (IRL) brought high-speed action to the coastal state. Amidst the roar of engines, former BCCI President and owner of the Rarh Bengal Tigers franchise, Sourav Ganguly, took center stage to encourage the young participants and praise the organizers for a successful event.

"Thank you and so lovely to see everyone again. I was there in Chennai last year, the first time and this is probably the first street circuit, isn't it? This is the first street circuit, yeah. So, you know, I've seen both sides of sport playing and then the organizing and I must thank everyone for organizing this year after year," Ganguly said.

Creating Infrastructure is a Passion

Drawing from his vast experience in cricket and the Indian Super League (ISL), Ganguly acknowledged the difficulty of street racing compared to stadium sports.

"It's not easy organizing such a big event and so peacefully I saw that in Chennai as well. You know, we organize cricket matches in stadiums which are dedicated areas but to come into a city and create such an infrastructure and try and make something happen is absolutely special," he remarked.

He further added, "I was, I met the team, the young drivers. For me, you know, sports is about opportunity. The opportunity you give to young boys and girls now to fulfill what they want. You know, when I was 18, 19 or even younger, you know, getting to play cricket was the best thing of my life."

A Bright Future for Indian Motorsport

The Rarh Bengal Tigers owner expressed his deep involvement in the league, stating, "So, I thank everyone involved, all the owners and especially the man in the middle for creating something and this is absolutely out of passion. You know, you talk about cricket in India but I've been a part of ISEL [ISL] and I'm still a part of ISEL but to create such infrastructure is more of a passion and I'm sure all of you will enjoy it."

He remained optimistic about the future, "You know, motorsport around the world is a big sport but it's a very young sport in India and I'm sure with the support of the team, this will become bigger with the days to come. It needs a bit of patience, it needs a bit of support and I see all of you here who've turned up in such big numbers to support them."

Ganguly also shared a lighthearted moment with John Abraham, fellow team owner of Goa Aces : "It's not just supporting the tournament but supporting the aspirations of young boys and girls who are in the paddock preparing to actually speed through. For me, it's too quick because by the time you turn your eyes from right to the left, the car's gone," he joked.

"So, I said to the young drivers, you know, the best thing about Kolkata is it's got that gold color. So, I recognize it that the gold is going around the circuit rather than trying to follow who is what. John's a bit more attached to it because he's a biker and I see him all around with his bikes but thank you so much for getting all of us involved."