Navi Mumbai: Forty students—20 boys and 20 girls—from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) schools have been selected to train under cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at the Sachin Tendulkar Cricket Academy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium. The students were chosen after a three-day selection camp in Nerul, where over 1,100 students participated.
The cricket icon and Bharat Ratna awardee also inaugurated a free scientific cricket training program for NMMC school students at the academy. The initiative, aimed at nurturing young cricketing talent, will provide structured coaching to aspiring players. Speaking at the event, Tendulkar praised NMMC, teachers, and parents for encouraging young talent and expressed confidence that this program would shape future cricket stars.
Recalling his journey, Tendulkar shared how his brother identified his talent and sent him to train under Coach Ramakant Achrekar. He stressed the importance of mentorship and urged parents to support children not just in success but also during challenges. "The journey in sports is driven either by the mind or the heart. A heart-driven journey overcomes obstacles and leads to true success," he said, inspiring students to pursue cricket with passion.
Under the guidance of Academy Chief Coach Atul Gaikwad, a three-day selection camp was conducted, where over 1,100 students from municipal schools were assessed. From these, 240 were shortlisted, and finally, 20 boys and 20 girls were chosen for a year-long free training program. As part of the initiative, the training will be completely free for NMMC school students; each selected student will receive a free cricket kit, and the training sessions will be held at Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium.
NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde expressed gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar and the academy for supporting municipal school students. "Persistent effort makes anything possible. I urge students to make the most of this golden opportunity," he said. With this initiative, NMMC aims to develop young sports talent at the grassroots level, ensuring that future cricket stars emerge from Navi Mumbai.