New Delhi: Formula One fever is fast gripping the national capital as countdown has begun for the first ever Indian Grand Prix and country’s sports fraternity has welcomed the grand spectacle with open arms. From Khel Ratna awardee shooter Gagan Narang to tennis diva Sania Mirza, from football icon Bhaichung Bhutia to golf veteran Jeev Milkha Singh to hockey stars Arjun Halapaa and Tushar Khandekar, all believe that India’s image as a sporting destination will be boosted and more Narain Karthikeyans and Karun Chandhoks will come forward.
Narang was delighted that people will have a chance to see F1 stars.
“It is a very good news that F1 is debuting in Delhi this week-end. After the Commonwealth games this is the biggest sporting extravaganza to come to India. I am truly delighted. For us Indians, it is a splendid opportunity to see the celebrated drivers LIVE in action,” Narang said.
Bhutia said it’s a proud moment for the country to host such a big sporting spectacle.
“I am a big fan of F1. As an Indian it is great that F1 is coming to the country. I am excited about it. I recently met Michael Schumacher during a charity match in Munich and I have also met Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella. I want to see Narain and Force India doing well in the race,” Bhutia said.
India’s badminton queen Saina Nehwal also welcomes country’s maiden GP
“It is a new chapter to India. I know about this sport but have a very little knowledge. I wish it flourishes in India and the country earn more fame in the world of sports,” Saina told PTI from France where she is competing in French Open.
Sania Mirza, who has been invited to watch the race, was impressed with the following of F1 across the globe.
“I am very excited at the prospect of watching an F1 event in our own backyard. Last year the F1 Champ-ionship registered a global television audience of over 500 million people and those figures are mind-boggling. Of course, I will be supporting the Sahara Force India team,” she said.
Tennis star Somdev Devverman too was excited about the event.
“I think its exciting for F1 to make it’s debut in India. I know people enjoy following the season all year. I wish I could have made it, but hopefully I’ll be there in the coming years,” said Somdev.
India’s Davis Cup hero Rohan Bopanna said, “It is amazing for India to host such a high calibre event such as the F1. It is indeed a boost to the country, to have various events of this scale.” (PTI)