The Maharashtra government has approved a proposal to install a statue of the late Ramakant Achrekar, Sachin Tendulkar’s childhood coach, at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The statue, which will be six feet tall, will be placed near Gate No. 5 of the park, where Achrekar mentored several cricketers who went on to play for India.
Tendulkar’s Tribute to His Mentor
Sachin Tendulkar, who rose to cricketing greatness under Achrekar’s guidance, expressed his gratitude for the government’s decision. “Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and several others. Being at Shivaji Park forever is what he would have wished for,” Tendulkar shared on Instagram. He praised the government’s move to honor Achrekar at a place synonymous with his legacy.
Shivaji Park: A Cradle of Cricketing Talent
Shivaji Park is renowned for nurturing cricketing talent, with Achrekar at the center of this tradition. The park is where Tendulkar, under Achrekar’s watchful eye, developed the skills that would make him one of the greatest cricketers in history. Achrekar also coached several other notable players, including Vinod Kambli, Ajit Agarkar, and Chandrakant Pandit.
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Construction and Maintenance Responsibilities
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been tasked with the construction of the statue. According to the government’s resolution, all necessary permissions must be obtained before the statue is erected. The BV Ramath Memorial Secret Club will be responsible for the statue’s maintenance and repair, with no independent funds allocated by the government for these purposes.
Ramakant Achrekar’s Legacy
Ramakant Achrekar, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 87, was a celebrated cricket coach, honored with the Dronacharya Award in 1990. His contribution to Indian cricket extends beyond Tendulkar, having coached a dozen players who represented India on the international stage.
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