Amit Bhatia – Vice Chairman QPR
Earlier this year when Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal – the richest club owners in English football came together to buy the almost written off Queens Park Rangers, less did any one know that the club would have an Indian in management of the club.
Personally, I was aware that Mr. Mittal has invested in clubs in Ukraine and his investment in QPR was no surprise. He happens to be a 20% stake holder in QPR and that was not surprising at all.
What was surprising though was Amit Bhatia was named as the Vice Chairman of the Club. (It’s a genuine surprise, really. Its great to see Indians getting involved in English Football)
Amit Bhatia (born 1979) is the vice-chairman of the English football club Queen’s Park Rangers. And the son in law of Lakshmi Mittal.
I have been following the progress of QPR this season and I must say that the new management has introduced new changes rapidly. The changes are not only to the team but also apply around the football club.
QPR’s stadium, Loftus Road – I remember a few years back when Fulham were sharing the ground as their stadium was under refurbishment. Loftus roa Lakshmi Mittal d looked rather old and worn out.
Look at the stadium now. – A swanky reception area, new corporate boxes, brand new seats and even a new branding.
The new management has also got the club new Kit sponsorship and Premier League style Tshirt Sponsorship.
Also, new players talented reserves from Real Madrid and always have been linked to big name transfers.
Amidst all this QPR circus, Amit Bhatia does his best to look into club affairs and I think his personally good with communicating with the Fans and so far he has been exceptional with his job.
Infact, he was against the controversial increase in ticket prices which angered the the hoops fans.
When asked about buying the club, he said “We could have gone out there and bought a club that is already winning everything – I’m sure it is a lot of fun for those people that do it,” he explained.
“But we love the club. That they need improvement is part of the excitement. This is much more than an investment that sits in a portfolio. We want to enjoy the football.”
Their love affair with the club this past year has not always run smooth. A mediocre start to the season has brought with it rumours of boardroom interference in team affairs, culminating in Iain Dowie’s departure last month after just 15 games in charge.
– http://qprreport.blogspot.com
Bhatia also initiated the Mittal Champions Trust, which sponsors Indian sportsmen with world class potential.
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