Talent abundant, but Punjab needs to create better infrastructure: Harbhajan

There is no dearth of talent in Punjab but the state needs to create better infrastructure and provide more facilities to youngsters to hone their skills, senior cricketer Harbhajan Singh said today.

"These days, very few kids are coming out to play outdoor sport. To encourage them, we have to create better infrastructure and give them more facilities," the veteran off-spinner, who was chief guest at the launch of a cricket academy of former player Reetinder Sodhi, said.

When asked how Reetinder's academy, which he has opened in St Stephens School in Mohali's Togan village will benefit the kids, Harbhajan said, "In Punjab even today (sports) infrastructure is lacking. We need more academies like these to come up, these facilities can be in the government or the private sector."
Asked about sportspersons from neighbouring Haryana bringing laurels both at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Singh said, "While these sportspersons are bringing medals for their country, but they are also making their state proud. I am sure they (Haryana) must be doing something better than us (Punjab)."
About IPL, he said, "Hopefully, we can lift the trophy for Super Kings."
He also said, "IPL is all about bringing the talent out. A lot of talent has come up, not for India, but even for other counties as well, so it is a great platform."