Maharashtra government approves a memorial in honor of Ramakant Achrekar
India’s legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar thanked the Maharashtra government for their decision to build Late Ramakant Achrekar‘s statue in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. Achrekar was Tendulkar’s childhood coach and has played a huge role from the initial to the end of his celebrated cricketing career.
Achrekar coached Tendulkar during his childhood, alongside many other Mumbai players who went on to represent the country at international level. It was from the Shivaji Park, where Tendulkar’s journey to greatness began. The Maharashtra government decided to build Achrekar’s memorial to honour him for his contribution to the Indian cricket.
“Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and several other lives. I am speaking on behalf of all his students. His life revolved around cricket in Shivaji Park. Being at Shivaji Park forever is what he would have wished for,” Tendulkar wrote on X. “I am very happy with the government’s decision to build a statue for Achrekar Sir at his karmabhoomi,” he added.
Also read: Sunil Gavaskar returns to lead Border-Gavaskar Trophy Commentary
The six-feet statue will be installed in Shivaji Park
The Maharashtra government, under Eknath Shinde’s leadership, released a Government Resolution to permit the placement of Achrekar’s statue at Shivaji Park. The six-foot tall statue will be positioned in the open area near gate no. 5 at Shivaji Park. The Department of Urban Development under the Maharashtra government approved the proposal. V Kamath Memorial Cricket Club will take care of the statue according to the resolution, without any financial support from the government.
Also read: Cricketing fraternity reacts to Jay Shah’s unopposed election as ICC chairman
Achrekar has been the recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya Award
Achrekar, who was awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award, died on January 2, 2019 at the age of 87. He trained 14 players who later played for India. The players consist of Tendulkar, Ramnath Parkar, Eknath Solkar, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Lalchand Rajput, Chandrakant Pandit, Pravin Amre, Vinod Kambli, Sameer Dighe, Sanjay Bangar, Paras Mhambrey, Ramesh Powar, Ajit Agarkar, and Sairaj Bahutule.
