Fitness and sports is the in-thing among the masses, both old and young who, religiously participate in different sporting or fitness activities. The fitness freaks from Powai can count themselves fortunate as an infrastructure for multisports has recently been set up in the locality.
Eminent poet and lyricist, Gulzar Saab (centre) lights the ceremonial lamp
Emma Sports Academy, a brand-new sports facility, offering multiple choices to its patrons, had a grand opening on November 13. Located in the well-known Hiranandani Complex in Powai, it has an array of sporting facilities which include four tennis courts, two football turfs, a cricket pitch and also a basketball court.
This magnificent venture is the brainchild of promoter Mathew Joseph, who has a passion for sports and fitness. Joseph enjoys playing lawn tennis, running marathons, trekking, sailing and also skiing, and has launched the Emma Sports Academy, named after his granddaughter, to provide residents access to quality sporting facilities.
Eminent poet and lyricist, Gulzar Saab was seen playing a bit of tennis at the opening of the EMMA Sports Academy in Powai.
Other sporting features include table tennis, a chess room, and in the fitness of things, enthusiasts can indulge in cross fitness, yoga, zumba and kickboxing in their daily quest to be wholly fit. Besides having a well-appointed activity hall that can be booked for various sporting events, Emma also has a putting facility, for upcoming golfers wherein they can hone their putting skills.
Roller skating enthusiasts can also use this academy, which will also include specialised Korean sports massage and in-house physio doctor who can provide invaluable service to the many patrons.
Hockey star Mervyn Fernandis an Olympic gold medallist, who has featured in three Olympics and an Arjuna awardee is closely involved in all aspects of the day-to-day running of the academy, whilst managing all operations. Mervyn heaping praise on promoter Matthew Joseph noted, “Matthew has got what it takes and has sports in his blood, whilst being someone who knows how to meaningfully contribute to the sporting ethos of Powai in particular, and Mumbai city in general.”
Distinguished invitee and a well-wisher Chandan Sharma, welcomed this sporting initiative, terming it a boon for the Powai residents.
Eminent poet and lyricist, Gulzar Saab, a rare Oscar awardee for best original song, who was the Chief Guest, also echoed these sentiments.
In his remarks, Gulzar stated, “Viewing the facilities around me, rather than speaking, one would be better off playing.” At a wizened, 82 years, Gulzar true to his word, still wields a mean racket on the tennis courts. Affirming that the best parts of badminton and tennis is that both start from Love-All, the legendary poet said that Matthew practised this Love-all with meaning.
In their bid to offer the best to the clients, some disciplines will feature coaches who will provide much-needed advice.
Moonmoon Mukherjee, an international table tennis player and who has won 22 National medals and several championships and the only Indian woman to become an ITTF certified Level-3 coach will be head coach for Table Tennis.
Vinoy Parakunnil will be in-charge of tennis coaching. Parakunnil is an ITF Level-1 and US Professional Tennis Teaching certified coach and has over two decades of coach experience.
So residents from Powai, and even nearby and far-off areas, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and come to Plot No 103, behind Hiranandani Hospital to avail of all these grand sporting facilities which have been created exclusively for you.
Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, music composer and playback singer and recipient of the 7th National Film Award Vishal Bhardwaj, former Indian basketball captain Rajesh Srivastava and former Ranji Trophy and IPL cricketer Siddharth Tripathi were also present at the ceremony.