Shri Dinesh Lad, the cricket coach and mentor to India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma, has made a heartfelt appeal to honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Mr. Lad, who has spent the last 28 years of his life coaching young cricket talent, is asking for a proper cricket ground to help develop future cricket stars.
For nearly three decades, Mr. Lad has dedicated himself to coaching at Swami Vivekananda School in Borivali without charging any fees. Under his guidance, 92 students have represented Mumbai at the state level, and ten have played for Mumbai in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. Despite these successes, Mr. Lad faces a significant challenge: the school’s cricket ground is too small for proper training and development.
“I appeal to honorable PM Narendra Modi to grant me a good cricket ground,” Shri Lad said. “I have been working in the cricket coaching field for the last 28 years, and I have never expected anything while working nor did I ever take money from anyone. The school that I coach has had 92 students play for the Mumbai state and ten of them played for Mumbai in Ranji but I don’t have a ground. The ground in that school is tiny.“
The lack of proper playgrounds in Mumbai, a bustling city with limited space, is a pressing issue. This scarcity hampers the growth of children and aspiring athletes who need adequate facilities to hone their skills. Mr. Lad’s plea highlights a broader problem faced by many coaches and young sports enthusiasts in the city.
“I have applied for a ground in Borivali, and if I get that ground, I promise you I will be able to give more kids to represent the nation,” Mr. Lad continued. His commitment to nurturing talent goes beyond his school. He has adopted ten children from rural areas, hoping to give them the same opportunities he has provided to his students at Swami Vivekananda School. “If I get a ground, I would be able to work better,” he added.
Shri Dinesh Lad’s appeal is a reflection of his dedication to cricket and his commitment in fostering new talent right on the grassroots level. His request for a cricket ground is not just a personal need but a crucial step toward providing young athletes with the resources they need to succeed. The lack of playgrounds in Mumbai, over the time, has become a major barrier that has been preventing many children from reaching their full potential in sports.
By granting Shri Lad a cricket ground, the Government would recognize his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket and invest in the sport’s future. Providing adequate training facilities is essential for developing young athletes who could represent the nation on the international stage.
Shri Dinesh Lad’s appeal to Prime Minister Modi highlights a critical issue facing Mumbai’s sports infrastructure. His selfless dedication to coaching and commitment to nurturing young talent make his request a deserving cause.
Addressing the lack of playgrounds and sports facilities is vital for the growth of cricket and other sports in the city. It is an investment in the dreams and aspirations of countless young athletes who, given the right opportunities, could become the future stars of Indian sports.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
