Subrata Roy prepared the ground for sports promotion

In love with sports, Subrata Roy supported cricket, hockey, badminton, chess, shooting and other disciplines like no other businessman. His patronage came at a time when sponsors were scarce, and paucity of funds was a major hindrance in the growth of sports.

“I came in touch with him in the mid-1980s when he moved from Gorakhpur. He wanted to build the Sahara India Cricket Team for the Sheesh Mahal Trophy. And when the team won, he doubled the prize money,” recalled Ashok Bambi, a former Ranji Trophy player.

“His patronage brought a galaxy of sports stars to Lucknow. In fact, for many of them a visit to ‘Sahara Shaher’ is a must,” Bambi said.

It was his love for sports that prompted the Sahara group to also sponsor the Indian Women’s Cricket team between 2003-2005.“That was a time when not many people would care about women’s cricket. His support helped us prepare for the World Cup in 2005, and we reached the finals for the first time,” said former player Shubhangini Kulkarni.

Scores of sportspersons paid homage to him on social media. Ace bad minton player PV Sindhu said: “Heartbroken to learn about the passing of Sahara Shri Subrata Roy. Rest in peace, dear uncle. Cherishing fond memories of the time spent with you and aunty every time I visited Lucknow. You always treated me with nothing but love, affection, and re spect.” “The larger vision of Sahara Shri was that India lacks role models. Except for film stars and a few cricketers, the canvas was largely vacant. He felt that a culture of sports must be created to inculcate a sense of positivity and discipline among youth and channelize the energy for nation building,” said Abhijit Sarkar, a close family member who anchored activities of sports for the group.

Ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh recalled how Subrata Roy helped him when he was diagnosed with cancer. “He was one of the few people who stood by me and supported me at that time. He was always very close to me and my family, and someone we looked up to. He was a fighter,” he said. The Sahara group also organized sports events for social causes.
In 2000, when Rajasthan was hit by a drought, Sahara organised a Drought Benefit Cricket match between film stars and cricketers.

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