Mumbai: In an initiative claimed to be the first of its kind in talent scouting, six fastest young sprinters were picked after a rigorous competition from among schoolchildren across the country for a week-long training in Australia under a world famous athletics coach.
The six schoolchildren, two each from Under-12, 14 and 16 categories, were picked in the grand finale of the initiative called 'Speedstar- the Hunt for Flying Indian' held in Mumbai with legendary athlete P T Usha, the brand ambassador of the event, helping in picking the youngsters.
The initiative, organised by KOOH Sports, a sports promotion company based Mumbai, has seen participation of over 10,000 children from around 800 schools across the country in the selection process spread over two months.
The six winners of the grand finale will now head for a week-long intensive training in Australia courtesy Griffith University, the official academy partner, under the guidance of Sharon Hannan, the world famous athletics coach under whom London Olympics gold-medallist Sally Pearson trains.
In its launch edition, 'Speedstar' has travelled to 12 cities across India including, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Sonepat over the past two months with a view to provide a platform for the deserving talent of the country.
Also Read: 2013 IPL Auctions: Players Who Made Big Bucks
