Shikhar Dhawan Launches Pioneering Residential Cricket Academy in Punjab

Shikhar Dhawan has officially launched the first Residential Elite Cricket Academy at Sandeepni Gurukul in Pathankot, Punjab. This initiative aims to inspire and nurture young cricketing talent across India by providing a comprehensive program that balances education and sports. With professional coaching, structured academics, and a secure living environment, the academy is set to become a pivotal platform for aspiring cricketers. Dhawan emphasizes the importance of combining education with sports to foster future champions. The academy's collaboration with local educational institutions aims to create a seamless integration of sports training and academic excellence, paving the way for the next generation of cricket stars.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 22:10 IST

Introduction to the Academy

On Friday, Shikhar Dhawan unveiled the inaugural Residential Elite Cricket Academy at Sandeepni Gurukul in Pathankot, Punjab. This initiative marks a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent in India.

A Vision for Young Cricketers

The academy is designed to inspire young athletes nationwide, providing a robust platform for budding players in the region. Emphasizing the belief that champions are forged through a balanced approach to education and sports, this residential program offers a comprehensive pathway for aspiring cricketers. It will feature professional coaching, structured academic programs, competitive opportunities, and a secure living environment, all aimed at helping young talents achieve excellence with confidence.

Shikhar Dhawan's Commitment to Development

During the launch, Shikhar Dhawan, the Founder of Da One Sports, expressed, "I have always believed that for a child's overall growth, education and sport must go hand in hand. Our academy at Sandeepni Gurukul is designed to provide a structured and secure environment where young players can aspire to greatness, train professionally, and develop self-assurance. If this initiative can help cultivate even one future Indian player or the next Shikhar Dhawan, it will be a moment of pride for all involved. More importantly, I hope this inspires many children to engage in sports and have faith in their abilities."

A Collaborative Approach to Growth

Anshita Gupta, Group CEO of Da One, remarked, "This residential academy embodies the core values of Da One, focusing on creating pathways rather than just facilities. Our goal is to foster an environment where education and high-performance sports can thrive together. The location in Sandeepni Gurukul and Pathankot allows us to tap into a wealth of untapped talent and provide a reliable ecosystem for young athletes. We firmly believe that the combination of education and sports can unlock remarkable potential."

Future Aspirations

Sahil Mahajan, Founder Chairman of Sandeepni Gurukul, stated, "We aim to establish the largest cricket center in Pathankot, enabling students from the region to train at a professional level while balancing their academic commitments. Our institution has always prioritized excellence in both sports and education, and this collaboration with Da One Sports reinforces that commitment."