Ex-pat Indian sets up squash academy for underprivileged children in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH - Satinder Pal Bajwa, an expatriate Indian who also happens to be a renowned coach having trained eight-time world squash champion Jansher Khan, has established a squash academy for underprivileged children here.

“Khelshala”, the academy has been set up under the banner of ‘Mind, Body, Game (MBG) Connection’, a forum founded by Bajwa. It emphasises on exercise and sports through which one can attain a healthy mind and body.

Children belonging to the economically weaker families will learn thebasics of squash at the MBG Connection Academy.

The MBG Connection Academy was formally inaugurated on August 13 with a three-day tournament named Freedom Squash Open-2009.

Bajwa, who emigrated to the USA, felt the need to give back to his homeland something valuable. He is presently the chief coach of squash at Harvard University.

“Everybody wants to help their own origins or country. I am not a wealthy guy, but I have got something to give to the kids in terms of a sport. So, I thought how I could pay back my country. I do a non-profit programme in the United States of America called ‘Kid-Squash’. I thought, maybe this, is needed in my country, here in India. I thought maybe we could give kids something which they can use to help themselves,” said Bajwa.

THE MBG Connection Academy boasts of a wide-range of world-class equipment like top-of-the-line gym systems and two squash courts.

The membership dues of the wellness centre would support Khelshala”, a charitable trust, which is dedicated to the have-nots children.

Khelshala will also have an educational component as well. It will aim to encourage sports among the children and offer scholarships to private schools.

Bajwa mentioned that he has created the gateway for the aspirants to top American universities and also a platform for the potential champions.

“I’m very happy that I got a chance to play and learn this game here. Nobody does this for children like us, as we study in an obscure school,” said Aarati, a trainee at the Kelshala.

Back in the USA, Bajwa has founded ‘Kid-Squash’, a non-profit organisation that works for the well-being of children from all walks of life through sports. By Sunil Sharma (ANI)