KOCHI: The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) launched a scheme to back the young sportspersons in the state who have shown the potential to win an Olympic gold medal for the country in the near future.The programme, ‘Mission Gold’, was formerly unveiled on Tuesday by introducing the first candidate of the scheme; Sreenith Mohan, a record holder in the junior-level high jump. “We are happy to extend our support to other sporting events. We strongly believe that it is obligatory to offer a helping hand to our talented athletes who are struggling with financial constraints” KCA Secretary T C Mathew said while announcing the scheme.KCA has also plans to adopt ten athletes from schools and colleges in different part of the state. The number could be increased if there is a positive response to the talent scout. The dedicated facilities set up for the cricketers could also be used by the athletes picked via the ‘Mission Gold’ scheme. KCA has outlined a budget of `25 lakh for the first year of the programme. KCA would also seek support of the corporate world to make the scheme a success. “It is an exclusive KCA project. We don’t have any financial assistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India,” said T C Mathew.Two veteran coaches, T P Ouseph and O Purushothaman, will train the athletes. The youngsters may also get a chance to train abroad under the guidance of foreign coaches. They will also be offered free education, food and hostel facilities. Though KCA will sign an MoU with each athlete, there will be omissions based on the performance. The ‘Mission Gold’ expert panel will launch its talent hunt during the Kerala State School Athletics team’s training camp in Kochi. The training for the selected athletes will commence in May. KCA President T R Balakrishnan and Sreenith Mohan’s coach Nelson were also present at the press meet.
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