Former India hockey skipper Viren Rasquinha is ready to don a new role. A fresh MBA from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, Rasquinha joined hands with legendary sportsmen Prakash Padukone and Geet Sethi, the founders of the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) to sponsor talented individual sportspersons who can claim a gold medal at the Olympics.



"I always wanted to do something for other sports and not just hockey. I know I can make a difference and this seems to be the right opportunity," Rasquinha told MiD DAY on the sidelines of the Olympic Gold Quest announcement to sponsor the PT Usha School of Athletics, Discus thrower and World No 19 Vikas Gowda, Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist Guru Sai Dutt and 2006 Doha Asian Games quarter finalist flyweight boxer Sanjay Kolte at the Cricket Club of India yesterday.

Rasquinha, however, isn't clear about his role. "I have no idea how will I contribute. I will be generally involved with creative ideas, implementation of plans and motivation of the athletes.

Will he get involved in the managerial part, now that he has done his MBA? "It will definitely come in handy," he said with a chuckle. "But it is too early to sayu00a0 anything. I am ready to contribute in whichever way possible.

We know what difficulties these athletes face. We are well versed with the ground reality." Former National table tennis champion Niraj Bajaj, director of Bajaj group of companies, who also joined OGQ as a member of its Board said: "Since I have also played sports, I can associate with this cause. With Prakash and Geet involved, I am sure the money will be utilised properly," said Bajaj.

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