News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know T he USA Global Cricket Academy, headquartered in New Jersey, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to developing youth cricket and cultivating elite talent across the United States. Established as the first registered 501(c) (3) cricket organization and the country’s longest-running youth development program, the academy has earned recog- nition for its contributions to the sport, including the ICC Global Award for Best Junior Development Initiative (2003). The academy’s structured pathway em- phasizes age-group development—U-15, U-19, and U-23—while regularly arrang- ing international tours that give young athletes exposure to competitive envi- ronments in cricket strongholds such as India, Sri Lanka, and theWest Indies. This international experience has contributed to the advancement of players, majority of them went on to represent the United States at events including the inaugural U-19World Cup in 2006. Building on two decades of talent identification and elite-player programs, the academy now prioritizes scalable coach education to meet the evolving needs of cricket in the USA. Recent growth in participation and institutional interest from schools and colleges has increased demand for the well-qualified, committed local coaches able to deliver sustainable youth programs. To address that need, the academy has initiated targeted support for coach de- velopment, including financial assistance and resources to enable coaches to attain higher-level certifications (Level 3 and Level 4) with ACF Coaches. By investing in coach education, the academy aims to create a cadre of long-term, professionally trained local coaches who can implement effective curricula within educational settings, strengthen grassroots pathways, and increase opportunities for young players nationwide, Academy nurture and supported many youth players and few alumni become professionals in their career and few are stepping up to support academy. – Said Ashok P Patel, founder president of academy & Cricket Hall of Famer. Through an integrated approach— combining player development, inter- national exposure, and enhanced coach training—the USA Global Cricket Acad- emy seeks to sustain and expand competi- tive cricket across the United States while ensuring quality instruction and continu- ity within school and collegiate programs. The ACF Cricket Coaching Program, managed by Jatin Patel, recently cel- ebrated 12 years of excellence in cricket coaching and education. Patel, who is a respected multi-sport coach, Cricket Hall of Famer with Lifetime Achievement Award, has played a pivotal role in shap- ing grassroots cricket development in the United States. The newly introduced Level 3 & Level 4 – GOLD Certification represents ACF’s elite high-performance coaching pro- gram in the United States. The advanced curriculum incorporates sports analytics, video analysis, mindfulness and mindset training, and AI-driven digital coaching concepts, preparing the coaches for the next generation of cricket development. The new program is approved by the American Cricket Education Council (ACEC). Also endorsed by the Cricket Hall of Fame and holds nationwide recognition from United Cricket Coaches and Physical Education Teachers, reinforcing its cred- ibility and significance within American cricket coaching development. More than sixty academies and youth cricket programs across the United States have benefited from ACF’s coach training initiatives and grassroots development support. Operating under the philosophy of “for the coaches, by the coaches,” ACF emphasizes peer-led development, inno- vation, and continuous improvement. Jatin Patel noted that “cricket is set to return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and with additional plans to pro- vide full scholarships for youth scholars through colleges and universities, the mo- mentum for the sport in the United States is growing rapidly. Increased funding support will provide a significant boost for local coaches across the country. The support of the Cricket Hall of Fame, together with collaboration from Cricket Hall of Famers, represents a major step forward in strengthening grassroots development through educa- tional programs—an essential foundation for sustaining cricket across the Americas. “This new program is distinctive in that it extends beyond traditional training and certification models available worldwide by also creating performance-based earn- ing opportunities for coaches participat- ing in the Level 3 and Level 4 programs,” Jatin Patel added. By a StaffWriter (From Press Release) USA Global Cricket Academy Boosts Coaches For Education And Youth Development News India Times (June 13, 2026 - June 19, 2026) June 19, 2026 26 Community Padma Shri Recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh Inducted As Trustee Of Association Of Indians In America T he Association of Indians in America (AIA), consid- ered the oldest Indian American organization in the US, with chapters around the country, recently announced it has selected Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh of New Jersey, to be on its Board of rustees. The announcement was made by Ravishankar Bhooplapur, chairman of the national AIA. f the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), an organization that seeks to represent more than 1.4 million physicians in 60 countries around the world. He is also Chairman of his Center for Asthma & Allergy. Known also in the media world, Dr. Parikh is the Chair- man of ParikhWorldwide Media, and ITV Gold. A philanthropist throughout his life, Dr. Parikh is also chairman of Life Global, and serves as Senior Advisor & Patron Trustee of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Charitable Foundation, as well as senior advisor to the Federation of Indian Associations. Among his other awards are the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman recognition in 2006; the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2005; and the Knights of Malta in 2012. Dr. Parikh is also among the founding members of the Indian American Center For Political Awareness, a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the participation of the Indian American community in public policy and the political process. Over the decades, he has been driven by his commitment to strengthen- ing the US-India relationship, including lobbying for the formation of the India Caucus in the US Congress and for the US-India civil nuclear cooperation deal. “I am pleased to inform you that Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a highly respected physician and philanthropist, has joined our Board as a Trustee, effective immediately,” said Bhooplapur. “On behalf of AIA and all fellow Trust- ees, I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Parikh. With his extensive experience and distinguished contributions, I am confident that AIA will greatly benefit from his guid- ance and leadership in the years ahead.” Bhooplapur went on to add, “I look forward to working closely with him and all of you as we continue to advance our mission.” “It is my pleasure and privilege to be appointed as a Trustee of AIA as it is the oldest community organization. The AIA has been showcasing our culture and heritage and was the first attempt to bring the diaspora together to lobby both socially and politically,” Dr. Parikh said. “I would be happy to use my expertise and connections to further AIA’s goals.” The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest national association of Asian Indians in America. It was founded on August 20, 1967 after the United States Congress passed the 1965-66 Immigration Act, repealing the Asian Exclusion Act of 1917. The constitution of the AIA was adopted in 1970 and it was incorporated in 1971. The AIA obtained the IRS tax exempt status in 1973. A grassroots national organization of Asian immi- grants in United States, the AIA has chapters & member- ship spread across the US and seeks to represent the hopes & aspirations of those immigrants “who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage & American Commitment,” the organization says on its website. PHOTO:COURTESY GAPIO President of GAPIO Dr. Sudhir Parikh, addressing the 16th Annual Conference held in Indore, Feb. 14-15, 2026. By a StaffWriter