These highly-rated former stars will, under the auspices of the academy, impart a year-long high level badminton coaching and training not only to established state players but also to promising juniors and beginners.

The patrons of the academy are keen badminton enthusiasts and prominent Shiv Sena leaders Udhav and Raj Thackeray who have promised all help to the endeavour.

The first training/coaching camp will be held at the three courts of the complex from April 14 to June 13 in two sessions from 7-11 a.m. and from 4-8 p.m. Entries close on April 10. For details contact Sanjay Sharma on 6336240.

From this two-month camps, trainees will be selected to join the academy on a year-long intensive camp liketraining under expert guidance of above-mentioned players. A coaching camp will also be held at the Malad Sports Complex.

Both Sharma and Pawar are also current national coaches, having taken the national teams to the Commonwealth Games, World Juniors and the recently concluded European tour for Indian juniors.