Debasis Sen
A Rev Sportz Exclusive
Team India’s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has always been a visionary be it on the field or off it. Ashwin is regarded as a smart thinker and is one who never away is scared of challenges. With a vision to give it back to the society he started his foundation to impart cricket education for kids in Chennai. The Ashwin Foundation, which started its journey in 2019 is now four years old. The champion off-spinner has decided to provide free cricket coaching for underprivileged kids in Chennai through his Foundation.
“I have decided to give free coaching for underprivileged kids,” Ashwin said exclusively to RevSportz.
The champion cricketer wants to do what Pullella Gopichand has done for badminton. According to Ashwin, “I want to do what Pullella Gopichand has done for badminton. I know cricket has a lot more money but all the money is at the top level and not much in the grassroots level. That is why I wanted to get involved.”
Talking about the decision to support the underprivileged kids, Ashwin said, “I always had this in the pipeline for two three years. I had noticed every three four days some under privileged kids will come to the academy who will not have the fees to offer. So, we started making exceptions here because the other students will also not pay and then it will become a problem.”
He added, “I had to charge the children that enrolled in my academy because I had to hire the facilities and as you know building infrastructure in the city is very expensive. I am still trying to push the corporation to allow me to extend this program for some time and to reach out to wider set of students and then eventually move to the districts. I am very passionate about teaching and coaching and I will find more time as the next two years roll along. I would love to contribute to the society and produce cricketers from here.”
“I can help them in whatever way I can but I cannot expect other coaches to teach them for free. It will not be fair as well. Now everything is getting finalized. Hopefully the good work that I am doing will stand out. I will keep doing this till my heart fulfills,” said Ashwin.
“See I have always been passionate about coaching and that is the reason 10 years ago I started my own academy,” Ashwin signed off.