Gwalior : Shikhar Dhawan’s Da One Sports launched its first-ever High Performance Centre (HPC) at the Aditya World Cricket Academy in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh League and Bundelkhand Bulls in Gwalior today. Marking the start of an ambitious nationwide vision to build a structured pathway for India’s next generation of cricketers, the initiative aims to unlock the region’s untapped cricketing potential and bring professional, high-performance pathways closer to emerging talent.
Guided by the vision of India cricketer and Arjuna Awardee Shikhar Dhawan, the Da One HPC is conceived as the first of many such centres across India. By combining world-class infrastructure with a long-term development approach, the initiative is designed to reshape how young athletes are identified, trained, and prepared for the highest levels of the sport.
Shikhar Dhawan, Chairperson, Da One Group, said, “Cricket has given me everything, and I have always felt a strong responsibility to give back to the sport in a meaningful way. Having experienced the journey myself, I understand what it takes to prepare champions at the highest level. With Da One Sports, our vision is to create a system that nurtures young talent with the right guidance, structure, and mindset, so they are better equipped to succeed. The Da One High Performance Centre is a step towards building that future.”
Shri Mahanaarayaman Scindia, President, MPCA, said, “Investing in grassroots cricket ensures a strong pipeline of talent, making India’s cricket ecosystem sustainable, competitive, and globally dominant in the years ahead.”
Anshita Gupta, CEO, Da One Group, said, “We are proud to partner with the Madhya Pradesh League, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Aditya World Cricket Academy to bring this vision to life. At Da One Sports, our focus is on creating the right infrastructure and pathways that allow young athletes to transition from potential to performance. This collaboration enables us to build a strong, structured ecosystem that supports athlete development at every stage.”
Rohit Wadhwa, Team Owner, Bundelkhand Bulls and Chairman, RW Group, added, “The philosophy of Da One Sports strongly resonates with our vision of nurturing budding talent and helping them evolve into elite players. This High Performance Centre is a step towards creating that environment, where young athletes are given the right platform, exposure, and support to realise their full potential.”
The Da One HPC in Gwalior will be led by former India cricketer and national selector Saba Karim as Technical Director, with mentorship from Madan Sharma, childhood coach of Shikhar Dhawan, bringing together deep playing, scouting, and coaching expertise at the core of its operations. The centre features professional-grade infrastructure including turf and synthetic pitches, all-weather training nets, strength and conditioning facilities, and dedicated recovery zones, supported by certified coaches, performance analysts, and sports science experts.
With a strong focus on structured development, the centre will integrate technology-driven tools such as video analysis and performance tracking to monitor and enhance athlete progression. The programme will also include talent identification initiatives and trials, forming a clear pathway from grassroots training to competitive opportunities. Admissions are now open for aspiring cricketers.