The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 19, 2024
Odisha, renowned for its rich sporting legacy, is set to witness a new dawn in cricketing excellence with the establishment of the MGM School of Sports, a cutting-edge High-Performance Cricket Academy situated in Kapursingh, Gurudijhatia, near Cuttack city. Backed by the prestigious MGM Group and nestled just 30 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, this state-of-the-art residential academy aims to foster a culture of high-performance cricket in the region.
Supported by the Government of Odisha and the Odisha Cricket Association, the MGM School of Sports endeavors to cultivate a thriving cricket ecosystem, dedicated to nurturing exceptional talent. With top-tier infrastructure including international-standard cricket grounds, a six-lane indoor arena, and modern amenities like a gymnasium, swimming pool, and physiotherapy center, the academy is poised to serve as a premier training hub for aspiring cricketers.
In a landmark collaboration, the MGM School of Sports has forged a strategic partnership with Coaching Beyond, a renowned cricket coaching institution founded by esteemed figures Ravi Shastri, B Arun, and R. Sridhar, former Team India coaches. Leveraging Coaching Beyond’s expertise, the academy aims to introduce world-class coaching programs tailored to elevate the skills of budding cricketers in Odisha.
Adding further sheen to this ambitious venture is the appointment of SL Venkatapathy Raju, former Indian Test cricketer, who joins as a consultant coach, bringing invaluable experience and insights to the project.
To start this collaboration, the academy plans to select up to 50 promising young male cricketers through a transparent process, offering them subsidized high-performance training. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to encompass both male and female trainees in the future, alongside a daily coaching program open to all age groups.
Expressing optimism about the venture, MGM Minerals Ltd. Chairman & Maanging Director Pankaj Lochan Mohanty envisions this partnership as a catalyst for the growth of cricket in Odisha, with the MGM School of Sports poised to emerge as a global cricketing hub.
Established in 1949 by Late M G Mohanty, MGM Minerals is a revered business conglomerate in Odisha, with interests spanning mining, steel manufacturing, and garment production. Diversifying into hospitality, biofuels, and sports infrastructure, MGM Group continues to uphold its legacy of excellence.
With centers in Hyderabad and Chennai, Coaching Beyond is at the forefront of cricket coaching, offering programs for all age groups and coach development. Led by cricketing stalwarts and supported by experts like Dr. Kinjal Suratwala, Coaching Beyond is committed to shaping the future of cricket coaching and player development.
