Expert opinion sought for drafting sports bill

Kolkata: In its effort to expedite the drafting of proposed sports bill, the West Bengal government has sought expert opinion from all quarters that would be discussed with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In the first star-studded meeting of the sports council after it was revamped, a proposal was made to build an indoor stadium near Rabindra Sarobar which will be developed into a world class football facility as promised by the AIFF. However, the high profile member of the sports council, Sourav Ganguly, was conspicuous by his absence. Highlighting details of the meeting, sports minister Madan Mitra said, "We have asked the respective sport faculties to give expert opinion on the sports bill. After getting their views, a final draft will be ready for approval. It will be done in seven days` time."Mitra stressed on the need for developing sports infrastructure in the state. "We want to develop an indoor facility at the Rabindra Saroboar after it`s made a football stadium. There are also plans to develop the barren land opposite ITC Sonar that can be used as training grounds for the big football clubs of the city." On the state government`s proposal to make sport compulsory in schools, Mohun Bagan managing director Anjan Mitra said, "Study will get hampered... It will be taxing for the kids to study as well as play during the school periods." Mitra instead suggested the state government should devise a method that allows the kids to pursue their favourite sport and get a certificate. Olympians Leslie Claudius, Vece Paes, Gurbux Singh, Chuni Goswami among others took part in the meeting held at Netaji Indoor Stadium. PTI