The name Ramakant Achrekar is not well known among today’s youth. But the world recognised Indian athlete Sachin Tendulkar’s potential to be the greatest on the world stage, therefore his name lives on beyond all generations. Achrekar is the childhood coach of Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary player. Following his death in January 2019 at the age of 87, the Maharashtra government planned to erect a statue of the renowned coach at Shivaji Park.
Tendulkar, the renowned student of Achrekar, informed his followers about the news on social media, showcasing his teacher’s life. The renowned Shivaji Park in Mumbai is where the Baharat Ratna recipient’s cricket career began, as is well known. It was the same place where Late Achrekar raised young stars like Tendulkar for most of his life.
“My life and the lives of many others have been profoundly impacted by Achrekar Sir. I speak for all of his pupils when I say this. Shivaji Park cricket was the centre of his world. What he would have wanted was to live at Shivaji Park indefinitely. In his post on ‘X,’ Tendulkar expressed his happiness at the government’s choice to erect a statue honouring Achrekar Sir at his karmabhoomi.
Here’s Tendulkar’s latest post on ‘X’:
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.
I am very happy with the government’s… pic.twitter.com/NIyVeYOy56
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 29, 2024
Ramakant Achrekar dominated the Mumbai cricket scene.
Achrekar was the key to the early development of many well-known Indian cricketers, aside from Sachin Tendulkar. Among the alumni of his coaching school, Kamat Memorial in Shivaji Park, were Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Ajit Agarkar, and Ramesh Powar.
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Achrekar received the Dronacharya Award in 2010 in addition to the impending statue honour. In 2010, he was also granted the Padmashree award, the fourth highest civilian honour, in recognition of his services to sports.