Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Launches Youth Sports Academy

August 12, 2022 

Indian Premier League cricketer, Shikhar Dhawan, has launched a training and sports education organization to provide quality sports training at the grassroots level which balances physical and mental strength. Da One Sports will create a fun and holistic environment that provides athletes and coaches with learning opportunities that can lead to better futures.  

“As a sportsman from India, it is my responsibility to give back to the Nation in every capacity possible,” said Dhawan. “Da One Sports is established to provide quality training for cricket and other sports while preparing the next generation of athletes for the journey called life...I want to pass my knowledge and experience to the younger generation through this organization." 

A 2018 report reflected that 62% of Indian youth are interested in sports, however, only 1% are actively participating in sports. Da One Sports wants to create a safe learning environment while encouraging children to engage and enjoy sports. The organization will encourage sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, cooperation and more to help develop India’s children.

Da One Sports' first two programs focus on grassroots and academic opportunities in order to create a foundational sporting culture. Next will be a collaboration with schools and academies that makes use of technology to monitor individual performances, advancement and skill development. 

Da One Sports’ academy program is open to anyone and its extensive coach training is spread across three years in partnership with Push Sports. In addition, its Grassroots Innovation Program, which will be taught in schools, day nurseries and pre-schools, is focused on helping youth reach their full potential through various sports programming. And its Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model has hopes for the “systematic and progressive development of every kid”. The program is aimed at children between 3 – 8 years old and has a 1:1 ratio for sports equipment so “no kid has to wait for their turn.” 

“I feel, cricket has given me so much and I want to give in my efforts and play my part towards keeping it alive. I want to pass my knowledge and experience to the younger generation through this organization. I believe that if we put in the best of our efforts, hum sab apne dreams ko reality mein convert kar sakte hain (we can convert our dreams into reality),” said Dhawan. 

Dhawan's interest in supporting athletes’ mental health is based on his understanding of the immense pressure and stress of being a professional athlete. The academy will train athletes in eight sports at both the amateur and professional levels. Da One Sports will also train 500 coaches and create four centers of excellence. The organization’s goal for its “Sports and Wellness Program” is to have an impact on a million athletes over the course of the next five years.