The Hindu : Kapil inaugurates sports village

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 14, 2003

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Kapil inaugurates sports village

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI July 13. There was no shortage of entertainment in Chennai on Sunday. One, a legend and a match-winning all-rounder, the other, an aggressive opener and a blithe spirit. Even as they turned back the pages, sparks flew.

The playing days of Kapil Dev Nikhanj and Krishnamachari Srikkanth may long have been over, but at least for a few brief moments, they managed to recreate the magic of old.

There were loud cheers at the indoor cricket nets of the Mayajaal - The Champ Sports Village when Kapil Dev bowled to Srikkanth and then, took strike himself. A rather nostalgic moment.

Earlier, Kapil inaugurated The Champ Sports Village, sprawled across 18 acres of the Mayajaal Complex, on the East Coast Road.

The Sports Village has a cricket ground with a modern pavilion, an indoor cricket facility, a mini golf course, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and indoor games.

The place was awash with smiles as Kapil Dev, in the presence of V. Chandrasekaran, chairman and managing director, Pentamedia, cut the ribbon along with Srikkanth, lighted the traditional lamp, unveiled his own portrait, freed his arms at the indoor nets, and then had a look at the fresh pitch on the cricket ground.

Kapil Dev stressed on the importance of sports and discipline and how they, along with education, were so important in the all-round development of a youngster.

He was all for the idea of entertainment and sports in one complex, like at the Mayajaal — The Champ Sports Village. "It is one concept, everybody works together. This is a very happy occasion. Mr. Chandrasekaran has put in so much effort. Under one roof we have everything."

Recalling the 1983 World Cup, Kapil said he and his `Devils' had great fun during the mega-event, and added, more than any money, the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction, were what they carried from that epoch-making triumph.

Queried whether India and Pakistan should resume their cricketing ties, Kapil said, "Cricket is a small thing. Let the government decide. The lives of our jawans and soldiers are more important for us."

Kapil also said, whenever he accepted gifts at functions or on other special occasions, he did so in good faith. "If I refuse, you will say I am being rude."

Highlighting Kapil's qualities as a cricketer and person, Srikkanth pointed out - "He was an absolute entertainer, a match-winner, and always led from the front. He is also down to earth and simple. There just cannot be another Kapil Dev."

Srikkanth hoped that a lot of cricketing events would be staged on the ground at the Sports Village, and said the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) would be approached in this regard.

Mr. Chandrasekaran revealed that the creation of the Mayajaal - The Champ Sports Village, which has tailor-made packages including professional coaching, was due to the efforts of everybody involved with the project and was not a "one-man show."

Recalling the '83 World Cup, he said Kapil Dev was not just a winning captain, but a fine leader of men.

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