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Realising the importance of sport that needs to be taken to the underprivileged section of the society, Cheteshwar Pujara has set an example by opening a cricket academy.
He recalled the evening after the IPL, when his father Arvind Shivlal Pujara showed a keen interest in opening a cricket academy to train the young enthusiasts. In this sporty affair, Cheteshwar’s father, Arvind Shivlal Pujara who himself was a Ranji player has played a pertinent role in developing a cricket academy. Both have invested in six acres of land in Rajkot.
On the pattern of Mumbai where children can go for regular practice, Rajkot didn’t have any. The current academy is located 5 km from the stadium where international matches are organised. It has six pitches, a small gym, a make-shift dressing room, and a battery-run bowling machine. It will have a bathroom and a rest room which are under construction.
Pujara went a step ahead and arranged for a van that could pick up children from the corner of the city. They will be provided with the training jerseys and shoes as well.
According to him, it is imperative to expose the treasured talent and give the kids chance to learn and play.
The academy will soon play district level matches, with the hope of nurturing a cricketer of international repute. The regular district level matches will create competitive atmosphere for kids.
Cheteshwar was also adamant that till he is playing for India, he will fund this academy himself. But, sooner or later they have to start looking for sponsors.
Currently 30 children are being trained at the academy.
