Mangalore: Cricket India Academy, an initiative by Mangala Sports Club was inaugurated in Mangalore on September 16, Sunday. A novel cricket education programme launched in association with Cricket  Australia was also inaugurated at St Aloysius College Centenary ground.

The programme was inaugurated by Brijesh Patel, former Indian cricketer, Matthew Betsey, Cricket Australia’s coach manager and  Martin Gleeson, CEO Sports Education Development India Limited (SEDIL).

Speaking at a function held in this connection, Brijesh said  good cricketers can come up only when they are trained from the right time at the right age. He also had a word of advice for the youngsters against neglecting their studies.

J R Lobo, former commissioner of MCC, Fr Swebert D’Silva, Principal of St Aloysius College and others were on the dais. Rohan Monteiro, Devdas Nayak P, Shabarish Kodikal, Santhosk Kodikal, Samuel Jayaraj, Gautham Kodikal among others were present.

On the occasion, Matthew Betsey and Martin Gleeson presented the certificate of partnership to Mangala Sports Club.

The academy will introduce modern coaching methodologies by providing training to 25 coaches of the country so that they implement the same on children.