The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Maninder's cricket academy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 08, 2005

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Maninder's cricket academy

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 7. The National Sports Club of India (NSCI) will launch a cricket academy under the guidance of former Test spinner Maninder Singh. The academy will start functioning from April 13.

"The academy will focus on the basics of the game, which, in my opinion, shape the career of a talented youngster. If the basics are correct you are always on the right track. If you lose your way in the middle of your career, the basics will help you regain your rhythm. To meet this purpose, we have prepared cement pitches," said Maninder at a press conference here on Wednesday.

The academy will have two turf and three cement pitches. "We also plan to have an astro-turf," Maninder disclosed.

Focus on mental strength

On the need to start an academy, Maninder observed, "I want to focus on developing the mental strength of a young cricketer because I feel playing at the top level requires mental toughness in order to produce positive results. I intend to involve the services of a psychologist to work in this direction," said Maninder.

Initially, the academy will enrol 100 trainees and will be imparted quality coaching by former cricketers Vivek Razdan, Hitesh Sharma and Pradeep Jain. "Our intention is to stay involved with the game and try and produce good human beings. Cricket is not about just winning and losing. It teaches you to be good citizens too," added Maninder, who makes a living as a cricket expert in the media.

According to Maninder, this academy will not be a "shop" but a definite platform for talented youngsters to hone their skills. "Physical fitness will be a high priority, given the nature of the game these days. It is important because power has come to dominate cricket in a big way and to do justice to your talent it is important to develop your endurance," Maninder stressed.

The NSCI also announced that the facilities at the academy were open to all first-class cricketers in the country. "They can come and train any time," Maninder concluded.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport