Dhoni to launch his own academy in Lucknow
‘Captain Cool’ Mahendra Singh Dhoni would be imparting finer points of the game to youngsters of Lucknow soon as the MS Dhoni International Sports Complex is all set to start its functioning at a centre at the Lucknow-Agra expressway.
Dhoni himself would be visiting the sports complex, being created in 50 acre at the Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in association with Krishnam Sports Park, after the Champions Trophy and would begin his new innings in the state capital as chief mentor of the complex in Alambagh here.
“We have signed a deal with Dhoni during our recent visit to Ranchi, and the Team India skipper showed a lot of interest in the project and agreed to contribute in this cause to promote sports at this unique sports complex,” directors Kishore Mehrotra and Manish Mehrotra told HT on Sunday.
“We have plans to develop facilities for other sports like tennis, squash, football, basketball, judo, karate, wrestling, boxing and shooting,” Kishore Mehrotra said, adding, “We want to develop this complex unique in the region. Initially, the complex will have a 100-beded hostel for trainees.”
He also confirmed that sometimes in September-October this year, the official launching of the academy would be announced. “We have made special arrangements for fitness experts at the complex as Dhoni himself wants all the trainees physically fit and strong enough to handle the pressure in the game.”
Former Ranji Trophy cricketer Deepankar Malviya, who has been associated with the complex as its convener, claimed that once the complex is ready, he would try to conduct age group matches of the board trophy at this venue. “Under-14, 16 and 19 matches would be conducted at this venue once it is ready,” added Malviya.
HE ALSO CONFIRMED THAT SOMETIMES IN SEPTEMBEROCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF THE ACADEMY WOULD BE ANNOUNCED