Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Dec 10: The Royal Challengers Karnataka State Cricket Association Academy (RC KSCA) was launched at Sahyadri College Campus, here, on Monday December 10.
Chief guest Dr Shantharam Shetty, vice-chancellor of Nitte University launched the academy along with the other dignitaries. He also laid the foundation stone for the proposed pavilion in the campus.
Anil Kumble, KSCA president, Javagal Srinath, secretary, SM Kirmani, director, Shashi Kiran Shetty, managing director of All Cargo Global Logistics, Mumbai, Dayanand Pai, chairman of Bangalore based Century Group, T Venkatesh, treasurer of KSCA, Srikanth, convener, Russel Adams, vice president, Manish Karbikar, police commissioner, Prakash, district commissioner were the guests of honour.
Prior to launching of the academy, a press meet was held where the officials of KSCA addressed the media.
Addressing the media, Anil Kumble said that the academy endeavours to make people play cricket across Karnataka. The academy aims at developing cricket from the basic roots by providing infrastructure facilities, he said. This kind of academy is the first of its kind in the city, where the people have excelled in every field except cricket, he added.
Adding to this he said that the academy also desires to develop a cricket stadium of international standard where Ranji tournament can be held.
Javagal Srinath in his address briefed about the objectives and infrastructural facilities of KSCA.
The main objective of the academy is to promote cricket within Karnataka and organize tournaments across the state.
The KSCA Academy has been launched in various places like Alur (10 kms from Bangalore), Gangotri ground in Mysore, Hassan, Shimoga, Hubli, Dharwad, Raichur. Apart from this it will also be launched in Chikmangalur and Belgaum in the coming months, he said.
“The headquarters of the KSCA academy in Alur has 20 practicing nets”, he added.
“The main motto of the academy is to provide best infrastructure facilities like turf wickets, lush green outfields to aspiring cricketers”, said Srinath.
Apart from this, he said that either in the month of April, May or June, a summer coaching camp will be held in 31 districts where best players will be selected. Around 1,600 cricketers are expected to participate in the camp. 50 players are already selected and are practicing at Nehru Maidan.
“The curriculum will consist of year long training and skills development through a four-day per week training programme where matches will be played in the last two days. During exams, activities for the trainees will cease. More priority will be given to studies for which there is no substitution. Technology will play a growing role especially with the introduction of the CVBC method, that is, cognitive video-based coaching initiated by the KSCA”, said Srinath.
The launching of cricket academy was followed by a stage programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Shanthram Shetty lauded the efforts of the academy for taking the initiative. “The district has high potential. Providing infrastructure facilities helps in developing a cricketer to perfection”, he added.
Shashi Kiran Shetty lauded the academy and Sahyadri College for promoting cricket among younger generation and assured his support.
Manjunath Bhandary, chairman of Sahyadri group of institution said that it is a privilege to the start the academy in this institution. “The launch will bring out great talents”, he said.
Russel Adams asked the youngsters to make optimum use of the opportunity. “Have passion, right attitude towards cricket and you will see the change in the coming years”, he said.
Dayanand Pai welcomed the gathering while T Venkatesh delivered the vote of thanks.
K Jashwanth, assistant director of KSCA, PV Shashikanth, head coach, Venkatesh, assistant commissioner, Ananth Venugopal, Dr Mahabala Marla, P V Mohan, Moihdeen Bava, Harish Gowda, Nataraj Hegde among others were present.