Sachin Tendulkar's Coach Ramakant Achrekar to Be Immortalised with a Statue at Shivaji Park

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a fitting tribute to one of India's most revered cricket coaches, the Maharashtra government has announced its decision to install a statue of Ramakant Achrekar, the childhood coach of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, at the iconic Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

This decision comes as a recognition of Achrekar's immense contribution to Indian cricket, having nurtured some of the country's finest cricketers, including the "Master Blaster" himself.

The statue, which will stand six feet tall, is set to be installed near Gate No. 5 of Shivaji Park - an area that has become synonymous with cricketing excellence in India. Shivaji Park is not just a public ground; it is a cricketing nursery where dreams are born and legends are made.

It was on this very ground that Tendulkar honed his skills under the watchful eye of Achrekar, shaping him into one of the greatest batsmen the world has ever seen.

Sachin Tendulkar, who has always spoken highly of his mentor, expressed his joy and gratitude for this honour. "Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and several other lives. I am speaking on behalf of all his students," Tendulkar shared on Instagram.

"His life revolved around cricket in Shivaji Park. Being at Shivaji Park forever is what he would have wished for. I am very happy with the government's decision to build a statue for Achrekar Sir at his karmabhoomi."

The government's urban development department approved the proposal for the statue on Wednesday, stating that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would be responsible for its construction.

However, the resolution specified that all necessary permissions must be obtained from the BMC Commissioner before proceeding. The BV Ramath Memorial Secret Club will take on the responsibility of maintaining and repairing the statue once it is erected.

It's important to note that the government will not provide independent funds for the construction, maintenance, or repair of the statue. This responsibility will rest solely with the memorial club, ensuring that Achrekar's legacy is preserved through community support.

Ramakant Achrekar was more than just a coach; he was a mentor who moulded the careers of 12 Indian cricketers. In 1990, he was honoured with the Dronacharya Award, recognising his unparalleled contribution to Indian sports.

Beyond Tendulkar, Achrekar's illustrious list of protégés includes cricketers like Ramnath Parkar, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Lalchand Rajput, Chandrakant Pandit, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe, Vinod Kambli, Sanjay Bangar, Paras Mhambrey, Ramesh Powar, and Ajit Agarkar.

For these cricketers, Achrekar was not just a coach but a guiding force who instilled in them the discipline, technique, and passion necessary to succeed at the highest level. His methods were simple yet effective, often involving intense practice sessions that were both physically demanding and mentally tough. But it was this rigorous training that prepared his students for the pressures of international cricket.

The statue at Shivaji Park will serve as a lasting reminder of Ramakant Achrekar's dedication to the sport and his pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian cricket. It will stand as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers who come to Shivaji Park, just as Tendulkar did all those years ago, dreaming of wearing the Indian jersey.