NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JAN 26
Having dedicated the world’s largest cricket stadium to sports lovers, Ahmedabad will now churn out more Thalaivas to the Indian cricket team soon, To meet this aim, the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy was launched here on Monday. This is an alliance between Ahmedabad-based Shri Enterprise, engaged in providing training to emerging talents in the field of sports, and Aarka Sports, the organisers said.
MS Dhoni Cricket Academy is run by Aarka Sports Private Limited, a company that also manages the former India captain. Dhoni is not directly involved with operations of the academy, but has a stake in it and gives suggestions. The coaching programme has been named The Dhoni Way, based on inputs from the legendary player. The company will set up over 50 academies in India and abroad by this year-end.
The main objective of MS Dhoni Cricket Academy – MSDCA, an institute of Aarka Sports, is “giving back” from MS Dhoni and Mihir Diwakar and is completely set to transform the standards of coaching and development of cricket in India and abroad. Equipped with all modern technology, high-class coaching facility & certified coaches MSDCA is spreading its centers to every corner of India & abroad.
On this occasion on behalf of Shri Enterprise, Sridhar Reddy, said, “We are extremely happy to associate with M.S. Dhoni Cricket Academy. With this alliance, the children of Gujarat will get the opportunity to learn modern coaching methodology from MSDCA and their accredited coaches. Coaching in MSDCA involves a lot of game sense and practical activities, with its focus on developing a participant’s ability to perform during a match and not just in the nets. MSDCA Cricket Coaching Program will promote the importance of developing quality cricketers as well as people who are leaders, have strong teamwork capabilities, strive for excellence, and display sportsmanship and fair play. Registrations are currently open for the academy.”
The training operations will commence on February 8 and the registration is open for both genders – girls and boys – between 7 years and 19 years. Raviraj Patil will be the head coach. The fee structure is Rs 36,000 – Annual, Rs 20,000 – half yearly, Rs 10,000 – quarterly with a registration fee of Rs 6,500. The academy will offer scholarships to deserving candidates, Patil said.
Aarka Sports was established in 2014, has focused on sports management and sports consultancy services in India and Abroad. Aarka Sports is founded by Mihir Diwakar, a sportsman himself. Mihir was part of India U-19 World Cup-winning team and has performed at the highest level to relate to the needs and wants of Sports and Sportsperson. Aarka Sports is his extension of creating excellence in sports.
This initiative aims to bring structured cricket coaching to all the aspiring cricketers in India. Mihir Diwakar says, “MSDCA is formed with the sole objective to provide a platform to aspiring cricketers in the country through a structured program that equips our players with the skills they need to succeed in cricket and life. Our Unique and groundbreaking coaching program is built around the core values with which our mentor M.S.DHONI lives and plays by; INTEGRITY, TEAMWORK, ENJOYMENT, PROFESSIONALISM, & ADAPTABILITY. I am very confident about the fact that a systematic learning program will help teach the basics at a young age. With the right basics in place, a child can learn and adapt more easily and successfully to succeed in the different formats of modern cricket”.
“We are aware Dhoni has a large fan following here, but the main reason was comprehensive facilities under one roof. Plus, it is recognised by ICC and BCCI. It is one of a kind in world cricket,” explained Mihir Diwakar, MD of Aarka Sports.
Mihir Diwakar further added, “Our Training Methodology is embedded with 4 driving factors in the way we Coach, Practice and Play Cricket.”
- Quality over Quantity: Encourage players to practice their match day rituals and routines as part of their regular practice and Training.
- Effective Technique instead of perfect Technique: Players learn how to achieve out comes in competitive situations and different conditions
- Adaptability over Repetition: Players learn to think on their feet and adapt to changing conditions and match situations.
- Player Ownership over Coach Management: Players learn to solve problems and show leadership and take ownership of their preparation, thinking, and performance analysis
