Mangalore: Much-needed Cricket Academy Launched in City

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Sep 16: The much-needed Cricket India Academy was launched along with its innovative cricket education programme in affiliation with Cricket Australia at St Aloysius College Centenary ground here on Sunday September 16.

Brijesh Patel, former Indian cricketer, Matthew Betsey, Cricket Australia’s coach manager, Martin Gleeson, CEO Sports Education Development India Limited (SEDIL) along with other dignitaries inaugurated the Cricket education programme.

Cricket India Academy in the city is an initiative taken by Mangala Sports Club.

The inauguration was followed by a formal stage programme held at Eric Mathias hall.

Brijesh Patel, Matthew Betsey, Martin Gleeson, J R Lobo, former commissioner, Fr Swebert D’Silva, principal of SAC, and Shashidhar Kodikal shared the dais.

Speaking on the occasion, Brijesh Patel appreciated the initiative taken up in the city. He said most of the academies in the country lacked a planned structure. "But I am sure this project will keep up to its standards as the plan seems to be impressive," he added.

"Training at a young age and at the right time is an essential factor in preparing for the future," said Patel. He asked the students to put in immense amount of hard work with dedication, which would lead them on the path of success. "At the same time, do not neglect your studies," he advised, adding that he wished to see a good stadium in the city soon which would churn out good cricketers.

Martin Gleeson said that it is a privilege to introduce Cricket Australia-based programme in the city and also briefed about their cricket programmes.

He said the academy will mainly focus on young children and will provide them adaptive training. "The good components or techniques of Cricket Australia and India will be implemented in the training programme," he added.

The academy will introduce modern coaching methodologies by providing training to 25 coaches of the country so that they implement the same on children. Elite camps, summer camps, tournament preparation, sessions by international players like Brett Lee and Mike Hussey will be an add-on factor in the programme, he said.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Gleeson said the training for 25 coaches from ten cities will be held at Jaipur from September 20 to 26 and that two coaches from the city will be participating in it.

J R Lobo in his address opined that sports and education go hand in hand. "The city has potential to excel in all fields, and if adequate infrastructure is provided, it will really grow to great heights," he said.

He lauded the efforts of Mangala Sports Club for taking the initiative and wished them luck.

On the occasion, Matthew Betsey and Martin Gleeson presented the certificate of partnership to Mangala Sports Club.

Manohar Amin welcomed the gathering, Advaith, Adithi compered and CA Rathan Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.

Rohan Monteiro, Devdas Nayak P, Shabarish Kodikal, Santhosk Kodikal, Samuel Jayaraj, Gautham Kodikal among others were present.

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