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Desh Prem Azad is the Dronacharya awardee and renowned coach of the big names like Kapil Dev, Yograj Singh, Chetan Sharma and Ashok Malhotra. He made hid debut in cricket in 1953 and became a qualified coach in 1961got certified from NIS. Started at a very tender age of 14 yrs he played his first Ranji trophy when he was in 9th class. He was born in Amritsar and completed his schooling from Patiala. He then graduated from DAV College Jalandhar.Now, a chairman of coaching committee of BCCI, D.P Azad has launched a cricket academy at St Stephen’s school in sector 45 Chandigarh in June 2006. The academy being run under the aegis of Dronacharya sports promoters association is known as D P Azad cricket academy.
Q: At what age did you start up with your career and did you always wanted to be associated with cricket only?
A: I started at the age of 14. My father always wants me to be in hockey player as he was associated with hockey. But I started playing cricket. I played my first Ranji match for Punjab when I was in 9th standard.
Q: Who coached you when you were playing?
A: Mr. L P O’Brien was my coach. He was from Australia.
Q: In 1968 when you received the Dronacharya Award were you expecting that?
A: Why not? I’m responsible for changing the Indian bowling scenario. India’s main strength was spin in 70’s. But then I bring Kapil Dev and Chetan Sharma in the team.
Q: How do you feel to be the successful man behind the big names like Kapil Dev, Yograj Singh, Chetan Sharma and Ashok Malhotra?
A: I feel the way parents or a teacher feels. I’m a very harsh coach like my own coach. But it is just to find the extraordinary, there is nothing personal. I remember when Kapil won the wisdom cricketer award at lords in 2002. In his interview he talked about my harshness turned him into a Captain of Indian team.
Q: You were the member of SAI and BCCI technical committee. How was the experience?
A: It was a great experience. Lots of responsibility was given to me and I enjoyed it. SAI nominated me as member of academy council. Now I’m chairman of coaching committee BCCI.
Q: Your suggestion to SAI for associating a representative of Dronacharya awardees forum with the selection procedure has it been implemented?
A: Yes to an extent they started giving preference. I am the first Dronacharya awardee in BCCI selection Committee.
Q: How did you come up with the idea of setting up an academy?
A: I was not interested as I was a president of Chandigarh golf club for 7yrs. Then after that I was not involved any where.
In June 2006 when I was doing nothing I was being pressurized by parents for such a long time to coach there kids as there weren’t many good coaches available.
Q: What kind of support are you getting from the school academy?
A: I have good support from the principal. School has given me free hand to work. MR. Harold Carver is such a sports loving person. He makes sure that all my boys get getting all the back up and support.
Q: There are many other academies too, how yours is different from them?
A: “Khaitan ka naam hi kafi hai”. My every student knows how to handle the bat with the very basics in just 8months. I believe in teaching the basics in the cricket ship.
Q: What do you think how bright are India’s chances in his world cup?
A: It is difficult to predict a one day match. Like Bangladesh won against New Zealand in West Indies during practice match, now who could imagine that. There is a stiff competition as there are teams like Australia, West Indies, South Africa, England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Q: What are your views on Sehwag’s form?
A: “Umeed Pe Duniya Kayam Hai” he is a single handed match winner. The day he opened up he’ll show what he is.
Q: In cricket which is your favorite format? Test, one day or 20-20?
A: As a coach I don’t agree with the 20-20 matches. Test cricket is the real cricket. It is sad to see Chandigarh club promoting 20-20. I believe both the batsmen and bowler need time to play.
Q: In some cricket loving nations like West Indies and England youth is leaning towards other sports also. Do you think something like that can happen in India too?
A: No, not in the near future. No other sports have that much money. BCCI gives pension which other sports authority does that. 80,000 are given individually for playing Ranji. Cricket will live forever.
Q: Apart from cricket which other sports you like?
A: I play golf, I was national champion of table tennis, I also love swimming, and badminton and volleyball are also my favorite.
Q: According to you what would be the perfect age to start cricket. And how many students is there your academy?
A: The younger the better as it is the age where we can mould students with lessons. I’ve 40 students in my academy of different age group stating from 8-10, 10-12 AND 12-14. BUT 8-10 is the most preferred age group to start.
Q: What’s your message for your students and cricket fans?
A: Today I tell my students that apart from cricket, studies are important too and first priority. Nobody used to say that to us. Not every one succeeds in cricket and that’s when studies help. As for cricket fans I just want to covey request that if India wins then well and good and if they didn’t then lets not destroy the sportsmanship by throwing stones and raising slogans outside their homes
