Virat Kohli's Childhood Coach Optimistic About Future Cricket Talent at New Academy

Inauguration of Cricket Academy at DPS RK Puram

Rajkumar Sharma, the childhood coach of renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, has expressed his enthusiasm regarding the future of sports talent following the launch of a cricket academy at Delhi Public School (DPS) RK Puram on Tuesday.

In an interview, Sharma expressed gratitude towards the school for its support and infrastructure, describing it as a significant advancement in fostering young athletes. He stated, "I am very happy and thankful to DPS RK Puram for providing us with this opportunity and their infrastructure for a quality academy here."

He emphasized the academy's potential to cultivate future sports stars, drawing inspiration from Kohli's own journey. "I am optimistic that with the right infrastructure and environment, along with the dedication at our academy, we can produce more athletes like Virat Kohli for our nation," Sharma remarked.

DDCA President Highlights Need for More Sporting Infrastructure

Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), also spoke about the necessity for ongoing development of sports facilities in Delhi, noting that the newly opened cricket academy is a crucial step in nurturing upcoming talent.

During the inauguration, Jaitley remarked that despite the number of academies in the capital, the demand for cricket development continues to grow. "No matter how many academies open in this city, it's still not enough. The talent for cricket in this city is vast, but we need more avenues to nurture it," he stated.

He underscored the importance of collaboration between cricket infrastructure and educational institutions, calling it a smart utilization of resources. "The academy inaugurated today is significant, as it is where Virat Kohli trained since he was eight. This exemplifies how West Delhi Cricket Academy and DPS RK Puram can work together to utilize previously unused infrastructure for developing future talent," Jaitley added.

Virat Kohli Inspires Students with His Journey

Virat Kohli also shared an inspiring message during the academy's inauguration, encouraging students to value their learning environment and pursue their dreams with integrity and dedication.

Addressing the students, Kohli mentioned that he was not used to speaking at school events but felt a strong connection with the audience, recalling his own experiences. "Thank you for having me. I’m not accustomed to speaking in schools, so this feels a bit awkward for me since I left the school environment long ago for cricket. I understand what you are all going through right now," he said.

The 37-year-old cricketer reflected on how his priorities shifted early in life as he chose cricket as his career. He stated, "A school is a place where you come to learn, grow, and become better individuals."

Kohli further emphasized the vital role of educators in shaping students' character and skills, acknowledging their commitment to guiding young minds. "Respect your teachers and the learning environment. They dedicate a significant part of their lives to you, and it’s essential to honor that with your attention and respect," he concluded.