Hone talent: Usha

Scottsdale Athletic Academy (SAA), a first-of-its-kind multi-purpose venture, was launched on a colourful note by sprint queen P T Usha at MNR Scottsdale Campus in Miyapur here on Monday.

She commemorated the event by unveiling a ‘Scottsman’ statue and the miniature version of the sprawling SAA campus after taking salute at an impressive march past by the students of the institution.

Speaking on the occasion, Usha expressed her happiness at the enthusiasm being shown by the youngsters, who could be moulded into champion-material by dedicated coaches and a workable regimen.

She praised the infrastructure that has been put in place by the academy, which has catered to the specific requirements of select disciplines.

`I know of very few academies in the country with such infrastructure. It definitely augurs well for beginners as a solid foundation is the essence of any sports career. Athletics is the foundation for doing well in sports and an athlete can shift to any other discipline like football, tennis, hockey on getting to know the nitty-gritty of staying fit. There is no dearth of talent in India, but there is no encouragement and the availability of training facilities is abysmal’, she lamented.

Usha was a big hit with the youngsters, most of who went home with an autograph of the Golden Girl.

In the same vein she reiterated Sunday’s remark that she was willing to set up an academy in Hyderabad provided the State Government approaches her and offers the support she seeks.

Vasu V Manthena, Chairman, MNR Educational Trust, explained that they hoped to produce sportspersons who could make the State and the country proud after learning the basics at SAA, which was backed by coaches of eminence.

He said that the academy will train children in football, cricket, tennis and basketball and each will have a maximum of 60 trainees. He said that they hoped to see their wards in the national age-group teams in the next two years.