Aimed at raising the profile of track and field sports in the country, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is mulling on launching an ambitious big prize money franchised-based league, which will have Olympic and world champions.
The AFI Executive Committee, in its recent meeting, discussed the possibility of starting a cash-rich competition to be named Indian Athletics League (IAL), with a sports management firm presenting a blueprint.
Though the finer details are yet to be finalised, the proposed IAL will be a franchised-based competition on the lines of Indian Premier League and Indian Badminton League. It will also have some similarities with the prestigious 14-leg Diamond League Series organised by the world governing body IAAF each year.
AFI Executive Committee took the decision to hold the proposed IAL in the first half of August if the sponsors and necessary funds are available. The sports management firm has been tasked to find the corporate sponsors.
A top source in the AFI told PTI that the budget for the proposed league would be pegged at around 100 crore and some of the big international stars, including Olympic and world champions, would be invited.
"It's early stages now. We discussed the feasibility of the league in the Executive Committee meeting as we want to raise the profile of athletics in the country. We decided that if the necessary funds and the sponsors are coming, then we can hold the league in August," the source said.
"If our plans materialise and corporates are willing to come forward, then it will be a big ticket event which can be as big as any leagues around in the country and outside," he added.
He also said there will be eight to 10 franchise sides based in different cities across the country and each team will have eight men and eight women, with top international stars in them.
