RACE by Sanju Samson Cricket Academy at Chalakudy

KOCHI:
The logo of the cricket academy, RACE by Sanju Samson, got launched by Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, along with film stars Dileep, Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph. Coach Biju George, sports commentator Shyju Damodaran, and Rapheal Pozholiparambil, owner of the Rapheal Group of Companies, also attended the ceremony. RACE, an ambitious project that will focus beyond sports and cricket, is the brain child of entrepreneur Rapheal Pozholiparambil of Rapheal Group of Companies and Sanju Samson. RACE will be Rapheal Group’s second active investment into sports, besides its partnership within KCL franchise Alleppey Ripples. It is also backed by coach Biju George and entrepreneurs Jeemon Pullely and Divya Rajan.

RACE is conceived as a residential cricket academy that can offer international quality training, preparing players for the highest levels. A 11-acre table top land, ideally suited for a cricketing facility is developed by AXYZ Ventures as lead architects, delivering a sustainable state-of-the-art 100,000 sq.ft. concept. The Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost INR 20 crores. The academy, once operational by September 2026, will target to host aspiring young and talented boys & girls from around the world, considering cricket as a career. Intake will be for talented cricketers aged between 9 and 16 years. The package will include high quality cricket training, International baccalaureate (IB) education, exceptional and scientifically planned nutritional plans, recreation facilities and overall well-being. The facility once ready will consist of an international standard cricket ground, 3 independent complexes that house the student dorms, study & entertainment zones, swimming pool, turf nets, badminton, padel and a shooting range. The facility will also have a small convention center for indoor purpose, yoga zones and dorms for visiting teams.

RACE is backed and partnered by KIC (Kerala Influencer Community) an affiliate partner of Rapheal Group of Companies. KIC will form the backbone of RACE’s long-term strategy to promote and spread the academy’s offerings to discerning young talent across the world. RACE is already in advanced discussions with overseas education partners to on-board a flexible IB curriculum, where the student besides excelling in cricket can also graduate from a foreign university. RACE will be led by profound coach Biju George who don the role of a global talent scout with IPL major Kolkata Knight Riders. He also held positions like Fielding coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, besides guiding the Indian Women’s Team. Other international coaches will be scouted based on exceptional talent and track record. RACE will build a training template that can be replicated as effective systems and processes to expand its base worldwide across USA, Australia, South Africa and European markets in coming years.