This refers to the report "Indian Grand Prix may crash out of Formula One calendar for 2014" (July 30). I borrow the words of Formula One (F1) driver Narain Karthikeyan - "it would be a real shame if the Indian Grand Prix is axed". The Indian Grand Prix is a major sporting event without any outflow from the state exchequer. F1 expects to generate a revenue of Rs 90,000 crore in India over 10 years. According to reports, organisers need to deposit a heavy customs duty to bring F1 equipment and fuel to India. The sports ministry extracts Rs 10 crore towards the National Sports Development Fund to give a no objection certificate. Why are authorities against this prestigious international sporting event? Would any corporate body dare to invest in infrastructure development for such events if they are targeted to settle political scores? Sports Secretary P K Deb's statement that "it does not matter to us whether the race stays in India or not" was very unfortunate.
Nujum H Mayyanad New Delhi
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