1.2073807-4011085280
MS Dhoni Image Credit: PTI

Mumbai: Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni before embarking to play the one day series in Sri Lanka has announced that he will soon set up his coaching academy in Dubai Pacific Sports Club (PSC) will launch its operations in the UAE.

Commenting on his tie up with UAE based PSC, Dhoni said: “Sports has attained a global stature not just for fostering athleticism and sportsmanship, but also as a viable business platform that involves many different stakeholders, from small businesses to big conglomerates and organisations. I am delighted to be a part of the club and will contribute in any means possible to make it a success.”

Announcing the association with Dhoni, one of the world’s most successful captains, entrepreneur and philanthropist Parvez Khan of Pacific Ventures, who was the prime mover of a number of high profile sporting events in the UAE and had owned the Capricorn Commanders, a team that competed in the Masters Champions League, said: “Pacific Sports Club is excited about its association with MS Dhoni, a superstar in the field of cricket. PSC has all exclusive rights to MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA), not just in the UAE but other GCC countries, South Africa and the UK. Dhoni will be the brand ambassador for the academy and will be hands-on at the PSC with frequent visits. What makes this venture exciting is that this is for the first time ever that the cricketer is launching his academy and he chose Dubai for the launch of his new venture.”

Dhoni will be in Dubai next month after the Sri Lanka series to kick off the academy. PSC will soon announce details of its sports camps and other activities.

“We will offer a high-level plus coaching and training as well as a strategic sports development programmes managed by some of our well-known and beloved sports personalities,” added Khan.

Khan will be partnering with schools and colleges in the UAE to offer PSC’s expertise in developing and managing athletic programmes, with a view to expand in other GCC countries, South Africa and the UK as part of its short-term growth strategy.

PSC has picked August 15 India’s 71st Independence Day to announce the launch of its association with one of India’s greatest cricketer.

Elaborating on the plans, Khan said: “PSC and MSDCA will be working hand-in-hand to develop and launch training camps that will hopefully become a breeding ground for future professional athletes.

The academy will be based in Springdales School, Al Khail.