Sports need to be awarded industry status by the government to allow related businesses in the country to grow, according to experts. “For sports to sustain in India as a business, it is imperative that the nature of its ecosystem moves from a non-profit to a for-profit one,” according to a recent report published by KPMG and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).
It said this would increase investor confidence and availability of capital for the sector, as well as generate more revenue streams to help leagues to become commercially successful.
Having industry status will allow companies operating in the sector to easily secure bank loans and this will lead to greater involvement from the private sector, as well as tax concessions, all under a proper regulatory framework.
Bollywood, for example, was granted industry status by the government only in 2001.
New sports leagues are being launched as the country starts to branch out beyond cricket. The Indian Super League (ISL) for football and the Pro Kabaddi League were launched last year. Such leagues could generate greater sports revenues for the country’s economy.
But the report stated that the “lack of an organised sports sector has inhibited for-profit ventures in sport”. These include franchisee training academies, merchandising, sports infrastructure, and sports careers.
Industry status could, for example, incentivise professionals to associate themselves with sports, because the greater availability of capital is likely to lead to higher renumeration, while policies on labour rights will help attract people into the sector too, the report said. At present, few graduates pursue a career in sports and sports-related businesses because of the lack of opportunities in the unorganised sector.
“Granting industry status could lend acknowledgement to the sector’s potential and also clearly define the components comprising the sports industry,” according to the report. “This, coupled with policy initiatives and regulations, could drive greater professionalism and hence increase investor confidence.”
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The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
The Specs
Engine 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp (542bhp in GTS model)
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000 (Dh549,000 for GTS)
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now