Over 3000 Students from 3 Schools of Somaiya Trust across rural and underprivileged communities in the Ahilyanagar region will now have access to the state-of-the-art Squash Courts.
Somaiya Vidya Mandir recently inaugurated three squash courts at its Somaiya Sports Academy in Laxmiwadi, located 3 km from Shirdi. With a vision to nurture talent and ensure equal opportunities for all, the academy provides access to professional-level coaching, competitive opportunities, and world-class sports facilities.
These new squash courts were built in accordance with World Squash Federation (WSF) standards and feature professional flooring, glass back walls, and advanced lighting. They are designed to host training camps, tournaments, and workshops, giving students a firsthand experience of competitive sports and inspiring them to pursue excellence. Presently, the Head Coach – Squash imparts high level squash training to students.
The facility was inaugurated by Shri Samir Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar & Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Shri Nitin Kareer, IAS, Former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, and Shri Sandeep Kadam, Country Manager/MD of ED&F Man.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shri Samir Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar & Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “The 2026 FISU – International University Sports Federation World University Championship in Squash will be hosted at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai, fulfilling a dream I’ve held since playing squash for Cornell University in the 1980s. Our ambition is not only to host global events but to create world-class infrastructure and nurture talent from the grassroots. With the opening of these squash courts in Laxmiwadi, we are empowering rural students to dream big, compete globally, and pursue excellence. These courts add to our growing sports infrastructure, complementing the four badminton courts inaugurated last year. The Somaiya Sports Academy is more than facilities—it’s a foundation for transforming aspirations into achievements.”
Shri Nitin Kareer, former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, said, “Every child carries some hidden talent, but what they need most is the right chance to express it. These new squash courts at Somaiya Sports Academy in Laxmiwadi are more than infrastructure. They are a promise that the children of today will go further, dream bigger, and achieve more than we ever imagined. He added, “I want to wholeheartedly thank Somaiya Trust for creating such opportunities. It is an investment that will change the lives of generations to come.”
Lt. General H S Kahlon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar and Mr Aazaz Khan, Director, Somaiya Sports Academy, Somaiya Vidyavihar University were also present on this occasion.
Since 1959, Somaiya Vidya Mandir has provided quality education to children from Laxmiwadi and neighbouring villages, including Nighoj, Nimgaon, and Shirdi. By integrating sports into everyday learning, Somaiya Vidya Mandir continues to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive both on and off the field.
Leave a Comment