Kolkata: Aditya School of Sports announced multi-sports Academies ASOS Sports Arena, Barasat, by way of strategic tie-ups with India On Track- who operate La Liga Football Schools and NBA Basketball School, Joydeep Karmakar Shooting Academy and Dola & Rahul Banerjee Sports Foundation for Archery on Thursday (December 17) at Calcutta Sports Journalists Club.
It also informed about its selection for the Khelo India Football Project, the only one in Eastern India. It is in line with their EduSports concept to promote sports along with education in the sprawling 30 acre pollution-free campus at Barasat, which also has a CBSE affiliated CoEd School and BCCI approved Cricket Stadium which is only second biggest to Eden Gardens in Bengal.
The official announcement was made by Anirban Aditya, Chairman of Aditya Group, along with Ankit Aditya, Vice Chairman of Aditya, in a star-studded press conference comprising former Olympian Joydeep Karmakar, former Indian Footballer Mehtab Hussain.
Also present on the occasion were Project Officer (Teams) Sports Authority of India, Chandan Roy Chowdhury, Vice-President, Bengal Olympic Association, Joydeep Mukherjee, Secretary, Indian Football Association, Secretary West Bengal Basketball Association, Ranjan Chowdhury former TD & Head Coach of Tata Football Academy and Project Head of East Bengal Club, Ravi Boparai, Head of School Sports & Special Projects – India On Track, Rahul Banerjee, Indian Olympic Archer, Deep Dasgupta, Former Indian Cricketer.
When asked about how far this academy is going to be beneficial for the Bengal youngsters, Karmakar told Sportslight Media, “I think it is going to help not only Bengal youngsters but also players from around. They can stay here and practice. Players can choose different sports to play under one roof, like one can play archery, football, basketball.”
“I think this initiative should have been taken earlier, but better late than never. We have been trying for a long time, But finally we are able to open Aditya School of Sports and Joydeep Karmakar shooting academy. We will be train players and I think this is a huge step, after that we won’t be able to have any time. We need to work hard so that we can make champions as soon as possible,” Karmakar said.
And then, Karmakar stated how this collaboration with La Liga and NBA going to be beneficial. “They are very professional and big names, but we need to see how far the players are getting motivated. Sometimes a good teacher cannot always groom the students if they themselves does not get motivated,” he added.
“Again sometimes a very simple teacher can groom up a genius kid. So besides brand name we also need to look that the local coaches are motivating and grooming the kids well. They need to understand that if they need to become champions they need to work hard on the field, they cannot grow just with the big names.”
The partnerships will aspiring kids will get the priceless opportunity to learn their game of choice from the best in the business. In addition to having access to the best of facilities within their sports training, students also continue with academics whilst staying in their hostels on the campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Anirban mentioned, “This is going to be huge for the grassroots development of sports in Bengal. We shall leave no stone unturned to work closely with such great names to produce champions of tomorrow who can represent India and make the nation proud.”
“We are excited and very sure that these facilities will be exploited by students to live their dreams. While we are fulfilling our promise to bring the best facilities to them, it is for them to make the most of it now. I am confident that we will produce champions from these academies,” said Ankit.
The Khelo India project on the same campus will also help aspiring footballers from across the country, namely Eastern India, to become part of the Government of India’s vision to participate in tournaments like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.
The academies will be open for all to join from all parts of India, and across various age categories, however, priority will be given to the students of Aditya Academy, Barasat.
