Inside TCA’s Ultimate Cricket Summer Camp!

Inside TCA’s Ultimate Cricket Summer Camp!

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Community, Sports

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As the sun sets on a thrilling summer, the Texas Cricket Academy’s (TCA) cricket camp wraps up, leaving young cricketers with great experience and newly acquired skills. This year’s camp was an absolute success, providing participants with intensive training sessions and invaluable lessons from expert coaches. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by these athletes have truly made this summer one to remember.

 

 

TCA headlines its summer camp with expertise coaching from former India International Cricketer and head coach Thiru Kumuran, former Ranji Trophy Captain and batting/wicket-keeping coach Halhadar Das, and former Veteran and marathon champion, fitness coach Andrew Parry. 

The Camp is 3 days a week, Including days Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each day starts off with a one-hour fitness session with Coach Andrew. This fitness session involves intense exercises with cricket based development. All the exercises are completed with an aim to get better at the sport. After the fitness portion of the day, kids get some rest time leading up to individual skill practices. Groups are made with each going to respective batting/bowling practices. These practices last between 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 min on each day. 

 

.The bowling skill practices include international level preparation led by head coach Thiru Kumuran. Coach ensures that all bowlers are doing it correct with comprehensive feedback and input for each kid. It starts off with some warmups and then progresses into a full scale energetic bowling practice. This practice focuses on spot bowling which directly translates to high-level performance in matches. Bowling sessions end with various types of variations such as yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers. Every bowling session is consistent in its measure. This recaps the bowling session.

Now for the batting session, there are 5-6 lanes dedicated to improving young cricketers’ skills. Four lanes are equipped with automatic bowling machines, having consistent and varied deliveries. Additionally, two lanes are set aside for specific shot training. Under the watchful eyes of Coach Halhadar Das and Coach Thiru Kumuran, each player gets to bat through three rounds of machine bowling. This structured practice allows for personalized feedback and helps these kids improve their techniques, helping their confidence and success at the crease.

After the two skill sessions, the kids regroup for another break. These breaks are essential as they give the kids time to regroup and recover.

Following these breaks is either a fielding session(depending on time) or a whole group net practice. The fielding sessions focus on the movements and assignbments needed to translate success in a real match. It starts off with the basics of a good, strong, and accurate throw. Short throws and long throws each. After that there is some ground fielding which requires you to pickup the ball cleanly and accurately throw. 

The group net session is when everyone in their respective age groups come together for practice with each other. This usually lasts for around 1 hr to 1 hr and 15 mins. 2 batsman play at a time, one being in the spinners net and one in the pacers. Coach Thiru Kumuran oversees these practices and gives important feedback to batsman and bowlers with the aim of improving their game. 

This year, the kids at TCA summer camp got to experience a once in a lifetime moment! The kids got to meet with former india international cricketer and coach Robin Singh.

TCA coaches with Robin Singh

Something special about TCA’s summer camp is that it not only prepares a cricketer physically, but it teaches them about the mental aspect of the sport, preparing their minds to be mentally strong. 

With expert coaching, these kids have grown both in their cricket abilities and mental toughness. Meeting Robin Singh was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inspire them for years to come. This summer has been all about hard work, fun, and learning, and the campers are now ready to take their game to the next level. Here’s to a fantastic summer and an even brighter future in cricket!

 

President Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Dallas County Residents

President Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Dallas County Residents

by | Jun 5, 2024 | Community

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Dallas County residents impacted by last week’s severe storms are now eligible to apply for federal disaster aid, officials announced Wednesday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been canvassing areas of Texas pounded by tornadoes and storms in recent weeks. The damage caused by the inclement weather prompted a federal disaster declaration and made available FEMA programs designed to aid local and state governments with debris removal and infrastructure repairs.
Disaster 4781 covers storm damage dating back to April 26 in more than two dozen Texas counties, including Denton, Collin, Cooke, Kaufman and now Dallas.

The program assists individuals with expenses such as temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster and more.
To apply for the aid, homeowners and renters can visit disasterassistance.gov/, download the FEMA app for mobile devices or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins in a Wednesday news release thanked President Joe Biden for the disaster declaration and local officials from FEMA and the county for the work they’ve done documenting the damage.

“Individual Assistance opens up the door for FEMA to provide assistance to homeowners and renters for damage and losses not covered by insurance,” he said.

Vice President Harris Calls for More Indian Americans in Politics

Vice President Harris Calls for More Indian Americans in Politics

by | May 24, 2024 | Community, Editors Choice, Indian-American

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a crowd of Indian Americans this week, emphasizing the importance of South Asians running for office in the United States.

Despite Indian Americans becoming the most populous ‘Asian-alone’ group in the country, with 4.4 million people identifying as ‘Indian-alone’ on the 2020 U.S. Census, there are only five Indian American members of Congress out of 535. Harris made these remarks at the Indian American Impact’s annual summit ‘Desis Decide’ in Washington, D.C., calling for a change in the representation of Indian Americans in politics.

She encouraged the community to participate in the electoral process and highlighted the upcoming election as crucial to their lives. With 68% of Indian Americans leaning towards the Democratic Party, they are considered one of the most progressive Asian American groups. However, there is a growing sense of skepticism towards the Biden administration among Indian American voters, with President Biden’s approval rating at 43% and Vice President Harris’ at 56%.

The progressive organization Hindus for Human Rights staged a walkout during Harris’ speech at the summit to protest the administration’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza. This issue has resonated with young South Asian voters who are reevaluating their political affiliations.

Despite the challenges, Harris emphasized the importance of participating in elections to bring about change. She assured Indian Americans that progress is on the horizon and urged them to continue striving for a more inclusive and representative government.

Harris highlighted her own journey as a testament to the promise of America and encouraged the community to persevere in their pursuit of political engagement.

Irving to Unveil New Cricket Fields !!

Irving to Unveil New Cricket Fields !!

by | May 16, 2024 | Community, Sports

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Irving Parks and Recreation is set to bring new and improved cricket fields to the city, catering to the growing demand for the sport. The construction of two new cricket fields at Sam Houston Trail Park and Mountain Creek Preserve, along with upgrades to existing facilities, will provide ample space for players to practice and compete.

The project, which began earlier this year, includes site preparation, grading, and the installation of irrigation systems at three existing cricket fields to ensure top-quality playing conditions. Pitch installation is set to commence this month, with irrigation installation scheduled for the summer, weather permitting. Sod will be laid in the fall, and the fields are expected to open for public use once established.

Funding for these projects has been secured through various channels, including $217,414 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the Irving City Council. Additional funding is pending for essential components such as concrete cricket pitches, sod installation, and shade elements. The city’s Water Utilities Department will also install an irrigation meter at one of the fields, resulting in cost savings for the city.

The new and enhanced cricket fields are a testament to the city’s commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities for its residents. With the growing popularity of cricket in the area, these facilities will not only cater to the existing cricket community but also attract new players and enthusiasts.

The development of these cricket fields aligns with the city’s efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among its residents. It also reflects the city’s dedication to investing in recreational infrastructure that meets the needs and interests of its diverse population.

As the project progresses, the community can look forward to enjoying state-of-the-art cricket facilities that will enhance the overall sports landscape in Irving. The new fields are expected to be a hub for cricket enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, further enriching the city’s recreational offerings.

Direct flight route from North Texas to India is receiving widespread support !!

Direct flight route from North Texas to India is receiving widespread support !!

by | Mar 26, 2024 | Community, Editors Choice, Indian-American

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A petition for a direct flight from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to India is gaining traction in North Texas, with thousands of people signing in support. The petition, started by Venkat Mulukutla, aims to address the arduous journey required to travel from Texas to India, which typically involves multiple layovers and long travel days.

The Asian Indian population in Texas has seen a significant increase in recent years, making it the second most populated state in the nation. The opening of the Major League Cricket stadium in Grand Prairie last year, which has hosted sold-out crowds, is a testament to the growing community. Venkat believes thaat many would benefit from direct flights home, especially given the long travel days and layovers currently required.

Despite being the flag carrier of India with the largest international network, Air India does not currently operate direct flights out of DFW Airport. While the airline offers direct flights from other major U.S. cities, including New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, there is no direct route from DFW to India. This has prompted Venkat to start the petition, calling for Air India to add a direct flight from Dallas to Hyderabad.

The petition has garnered support from thousands of individuals, highlighting the demand for a direct flight from DFW to India. Many believe that such a route would be beneficial for the growing Indian population in North Texas, as well as for older travelers and those facing language barriers.

Speculation has grown online that Air India plans to expand its operations into DFW sometime this year, although the company has not confirmed this. Despite the specific focus of the petition on the Dallas-Hyderabad route, Venkat emphasizes that having Air India operate out of DFW at all would be a significant step forward.

The petition continues to gain momentum, with more signatures showing Air India the level of interest and support for a direct flight from North Texas to India. As the Indian population in the region continues to grow, the demand for convenient and direct travel options is becoming increasingly apparent.

Additional Tickets Released For Cricket’s T20 World Cup, But Not India-Pakistan In New York

Additional Tickets Released For Cricket’s T20 World Cup, But Not India-Pakistan In New York

by | Mar 17, 2024 | Community, Indian-American, Sports

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the T20 World Cup, set to take place in the U.S. and Caribbean in June. Additional tickets have been released for the tournament, but the most highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in New York is already sold out.

The match between the two cricketing powerhouses has been oversubscribed more than 200 times the allocation, according to the International Cricket Council. This has made it the hottest ticket of the tournament, with no more tickets available for purchase. Only four out of the 55 matches in the tournament do not have public tickets available, including the tournament opener between the U.S. and Canada in Dallas, India and Canada on June 15 in Lauderhill, Florida, and the final in Barbados.

For the matches with tickets still available, prices start at $6 for games in the Caribbean and $35 in the U.S. Demand is expected to be fierce for the new tickets released for matches involving India, who are based in the U.S. during the group stage. The modular 34,000-seat Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park, 30 miles east of Manhattan, is currently under construction in preparation for the tournament.

While the India-Pakistan match is already sold out, tickets are still available for other matches, including Netherlands-Nepal, U.S.-Pakistan, and Sri Lanka-Bangladesh in Dallas, as well as Pakistan-Ireland in Lauderhill. The T20 World Cup is expected to stir interest in cricket in the U.S., where the sport is currently irrelevant among locals. The tournament is also hoped to build on the momentum from Major League Cricket, which surpassed financial expectations in its debut season last year.

The ICC has also announced that the T20 World Cup will have reserve days scheduled for the semi-finals and final, with specific rules in place for the group stage, Super Eight phase, and knockout matches.

As cricket finally realizes its long-held dream of tackling the coveted American market, all eyes will be on the T20 World Cup, with the India-Pakistan match expected to be the biggest draw of the tournament.