Kerala Sports Association Launches Initiative to Promote Sports Development
Kozhikode: The Kerala Sports Association has unveiled a groundbreaking solution for individuals striving to pursue athletic endeavors. Former players of the Sai Center, which is run by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), have devised a practical plan to encourage the younger generation to venture into the realm of sports. The recently formed Sai Alumni Calicut (ASAIC) organization aims to assist schools and sports clubs in fostering the growth of sports in Kerala.
Renowned Athletes Driving the Initiative
Under the leadership of program director and former Indian volleyball captain, Vipin George, and secretary, national volleyball player JM Mohammed, the organization boasts a star-studded lineup. Esteemed figures in the sports industry such as Arjuna awardee Tom Joseph, Olympian KT Irfan, former Indian basketball captain Muralikrishna, national athlete Nisha Mary John, and others have been actively involved in nurturing talent since the establishment of the Sai Center in Kozhikode in 1991. These sporting icons have made their mark both on the court and on the stage.
Recognizing the crucial role played by schools, academies, and sports clubs in cultivating talent, Vipin George emphasizes the necessity of identifying and training players from the grassroots level. However, several challenges hinder the growth of sports in Kerala, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, and insufficient play materials. To address these concerns, George conceived a project aimed at extending a helping hand to aspiring athletes.
A Collaborative Approach
Sai officials plan to execute this initiative by soliciting donations from both celebrity athletes and non-celebrities who have benefited from the Sai Center’s influence. They will also collaborate with various organizations involved in sports development to secure sponsorships. Sports clubs and schools engaged in various disciplines across Kerala are encouraged to submit their applications for the scheme before November 18.
“Witnessing the exceptional contributions made by players who grew up training at the Sai Center to the sporting landscape in Kerala fills us with immense pride,” said Lijo.E. John, Coach in Charge of the Sai and Volleyball Centre.
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Kozhikode: The Kerala sports association has given a solution to those who have lost their way while climbing heights. Ex-players of the Sai Center (Sports Authority of India) have come up with a practical plan to take the younger generation into the field of sports. Sai Alumni Calicut (ASAIC) organization formed in 2021 is going to help schools and sports clubs to develop sports in Kerala.
With former Indian volleyball captain Vipin George as program director and national volleyball player JM Mohammed as secretary, Arjuna awardee Tom Joseph, Olympian KT Irfan, former Indian basketball captain Muralikrishna, national athlete Nisha Mary John and others have been the stars of the institution since the establishment of the Sai Center in Kozhikode in 1991. In the arena and on the stage. If the sports scene in Kerala is to grow, players should be found and trained from the ground level. Schools, academies and sports clubs work in that field today. Lack of infrastructure, lack of money, and lack of adequate play materials are not enough for children to grow up. As an answer to that, Vipin George says that such a project was conceived in the name of giving a helping hand to the playing field.
Sai officials aim to implement this initiative by accepting donations from stars like them and non-celebrities who have been nurtured by Sai and find various organizations working in the field of sports and seek sponsorship from them. Sports clubs and schools operating in various sports in Kerala can submit applications for the scheme till November 18.
“It is a proud moment for the Kozhikode Sai Center to see the players who grew up playing at the Sai Center making an invaluable contribution to the sports world in Kerala.” – Lijo.E. John, Coach in Charge of the Sai and Volleyball Centre
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