Shikhar Dhawan launches first high performance centre under Da One Sports in Gwalior

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan launched the first High Performance Centre (HPC) under his sports venture Da One Sports in Gwalior on Thursday, as part of a broader plan to create a structured training and talent development pipeline for young cricketers across India.

The centre has been set up at Aditya World Cricket Academy in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh League and Bundelkhand Bulls, with the company positioning it as the first of several such facilities planned nationwide.

The initiative is aimed at identifying and training emerging cricket talent from smaller cities and regional centres by providing access to professional-grade coaching, sports science support, and performance tracking systems closer to home.


Dhawan, chairperson of Da One Group, said the idea was to build a system that helps young players prepare for higher levels of the game through structured guidance and long-term development rather than fragmented training opportunities.

“Cricket has given me everything, and I have always felt a strong responsibility to give back to the sport in a meaningful way,” Dhawan said, adding that the High Performance Centre is intended to create a stronger pathway for aspiring players.

The Gwalior centre will be led by former India cricketer and ex-national selector Saba Karim as technical director, while Madan Sharma, Dhawan’s childhood coach, will serve as mentor.

The facility includes turf and synthetic pitches, all-weather training nets, strength and conditioning units, recovery zones, and support from certified coaches, performance analysts, and sports science professionals. It will also use video analysis and performance tracking tools to monitor player development.

The programme is said to include talent identification drives and trials to create a pathway from grassroots cricket to competitive opportunities, with admissions now open for aspiring cricketers.

Da One Sports, the sports development arm of Da One Group, said it plans to scale the model across other centres in India, focusing on grassroots access, structured mentorship, and long-term athlete development.