BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that the upcoming National Cricket Academy (NCA) on the outskirts of Bangalore will extend its facilities to Olympians, marking a significant shift in how sports training is approached in India. This new state-of-the-art facility aims to provide comprehensive support for athletes across various disciplines, including cricket and Olympic sports.
A Modern Facility for All Athletes
The new NCA, which is nearing completion, will replace the existing facility that has operated since 2000 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the city center. The upgraded academy will feature an impressive array of amenities, including:
- Three World-Class Playing Grounds: Designed to meet international standards for cricket training.
- 45 Practice Pitches: A variety of pitches to cater to different training needs.
- Indoor Cricket Facilities: For year-round practice and skill development.
- Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool: To aid in recovery and cross-training for athletes.
- State-of-the-Art Training and Recovery Facilities: Equipped with the latest sports science technology to help athletes maintain peak physical condition and recover efficiently from injuries.
Opening Doors for Olympians
In a recent interview with the Times of India, Jay Shah emphasized the academy’s commitment to supporting not just cricketers but also Olympic athletes. “We are going to make it available for Olympic sportspersons too like Neeraj Chopra,” he stated. This initiative reflects a broader vision to create a multi-sport training environment that can nurture talent across various fields.
Neeraj Chopra, who recently clinched a silver medal in javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, exemplifies the kind of athlete who will benefit from the new NCA. With his remarkable achievement, Chopra has become India’s most successful Olympian, having previously won gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Following Chopra’s silver medal win, Jay Shah took to social media to congratulate him, stating, “Back-to-back Olympic medals for our star, Neeraj Chopra! India’s first silver medal at the #Paris2024 Olympics, and what a way to achieve it! You might have fallen short of the gold, but your commitment and effort in the final were really inspiring!” This recognition underscores the BCCI’s commitment to supporting Indian athletes beyond cricket.
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