The MGM School of Sports inked a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Coaching Beyond, marking a significant stride towards nurturing cricketing talent in Odisha. The ceremony, graced by Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, CMD of MGM Minerals Ltd, and former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, solidified the partnership between the two entities.
Coaching Beyond, a premier cricket coaching academy, founded by Shastri, Bharat Arun, and R Sridhar, former coaches of Team India, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Their collaboration with MGM School of Sports, situated on the outskirts of Cuttack, sets the stage for a transformative journey in cricket development.
With a residential capacity for 50 trainees, the academy is poised to become a crucible of talent, focusing initially on cricketers in the age bracket of 16-19. Under the tutelage of Coaching Beyond, renowned for its world-class coaching methodologies, the academy pledges to groom budding cricketers to excel on the national and international stage. Notably, former Test cricketer Venkatapathy Raju joins the ranks as a consultant coach, adding further depth to the coaching staff.
Addressing the media, Shastri emphasized the shifting paradigm of cricket, underscoring the emergence of talent from smaller cities and towns across India. He lauded MGM School of Sports for its commitment to providing quality coaching and infrastructure, expressing confidence in Odisha’s potential to produce international cricketing stars.
Mohanty echoed Shastri’s sentiments, envisioning the academy as a hub for high-performance cricket training. With plans to expand the academy’s reach to encompass both male and female cricketers, the MGM School of Sports aims to establish itself as a premier destination for cricketing excellence in the region. The academy’s daily coaching program, catering to players of all age groups, underscores its commitment to fostering talent at every level.
Boasting international-standard facilities, including cricket grounds, indoor arenas, and specialized coaching amenities, the academy sets the stage for unparalleled growth and development. Mohanty emphasized the academy’s focus on personalized coaching, highlighting its one-to-one approach as a key factor in nurturing individual talent. Reflecting on his own journey in Cuttack, Shastri expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return and contribute to the development of cricket in Odisha. As he reminisced about his past achievements, he underscored the enduring passion and competitiveness that define Indian cricket, reaffirming his commitment to shaping the future of the sport.