IISF & TNICA Meet Mrs. Latha Rajinikanth to Promote Indoor Cricket Development in Schools; Ashram School Student Selected to Represent India at Junior World Series 2026 in South Africa

In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots sports development and expanding the reach of Indoor Cricket in Tamil Nadu, a high-level delegation from the Indian Indoor Sports Foundation (IISF) and the Tamil Nadu Indoor Cricket Association (TNICA) met Mrs. Latha Rajinikanth, Founder Correspondent of the Ashram Group of Schools, at her residence in Chennai.

The meeting focused on the future development of Indoor Cricket within educational institutions, the establishment of Indoor Cricket arenas and training programs, and creating international sporting opportunities for school students across Tamil Nadu.

The delegation was led by Mr. Prassana Kumar, General Secretary of the Indian Indoor Sports Foundation, and Dr. Dhanajeyan Jayavel, Founder & Managing Director of Spectrum Physio Centre, Joint Secretary and Trustee of the Indian Indoor Sports Foundation.

Also present were senior Tamil Nadu Indoor Cricket Association officials:

- Mr. Ratha Prasad Lankapalli

- Mr. Prakash Chandrasekaran

- Mr. Karthikeyan S

along with:

- Mr. Girish, Physical Education Teacher

- Mr. Suresh Krishna, Former Cricketer, Sports Advisor and Sports Infrastructure Managing Partner

The delegation conveyed their gratitude to Mrs. Latha Rajinikanth for her continuous support towards youth development, education, and sports initiatives.

Ashram School Student Selected to Represent India

A proud highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Master S. N. Aathithiya Balaji, a student of Ashram Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai, who has been selected to represent India in the prestigious WICF Junior World Series 2026 to be held in South Africa from 26 September to 3 October 2026. The tournament will feature participation from leading Indoor Cricket nations and is one of the most important international events for junior Indoor Cricket players.

The Indian contingent will depart from Bengaluru and compete against some of the strongest Indoor Cricket nations in the world. His selection is a matter of immense pride for Ashram School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and the entire Indian Indoor Cricket fraternity.

The IISF delegation congratulated Master Aathithiya Balaji and appreciated the encouragement and support provided by Mrs. Latha Rajinikanth and the Ashram School management in nurturing young sporting talent.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhanajeyan Jayavel said:

“The selection of Master S. N. Aathithiya Balaji to represent India at the Junior World Series is a proud moment for Tamil Nadu. Such achievements inspire thousands of young students to dream beyond boundaries and pursue excellence in sports.”

Mr. Prassana Kumar added:

“International representation at a young age builds confidence, discipline, and leadership. We are delighted that a student from Ashram School will wear the India jersey and represent our nation on the world stage.”

Indoor Cricket Development in Schools

During the discussions, IISF and TNICA presented a comprehensive proposal to introduce Indoor Cricket within educational institutions under the Ashram Group of Schools.

The proposal included:

- Development of Indoor Cricket Arenas

- School Indoor Cricket Academies

- Coach Education Programs

- Umpire and Match Official Training

- Inter-School Indoor Cricket Competitions

- Talent Identification Programs

- National and International Pathways for Students

- Multi-Sport Indoor Arena Concepts

The delegation emphasized that Indoor Cricket is one of the fastest-growing formats of cricket globally and provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop athletic ability, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship in a structured environment.

Mrs. Latha Rajinikanth appreciated the efforts being undertaken by IISF and TNICA and expressed keen interest in creating sporting opportunities that would benefit future generations of students.

About the Indian Indoor Sports Foundation (IISF)

The Indian Indoor Sports Foundation (IISF) was established in 2010 with the vision of promoting and developing Indoor Cricket throughout India. IISF serves as the governing body responsible for the growth, administration, and development of Indoor Cricket across the country. The organization conducts national championships, coaching programs, referee education, player development initiatives, and international tours.

Over the years, IISF has successfully created opportunities for Indian players to compete at international tournaments and represent the country in World Cups, Junior World Series events, Asia Cups, and Masters competitions.

IISF Vision

“One Nation. One Vision. One Indoor Cricket Movement.”

IISF Mission

- Promote Indoor Cricket across India

- Create structured pathways for players and coaches

- Develop state and district associations

- Conduct national and international competitions

- Build world-class infrastructure

- Encourage fitness, sportsmanship, and leadership among youth

Affiliation with World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF)

The World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) is the international governing body for Indoor Cricket and is responsible for the organization and promotion of international tournaments including the Indoor Cricket World Cup and Junior World Series. IISF is affiliated with the WICF and is mandated to govern and develop Indoor Cricket in India.

Through this affiliation, Indian players receive opportunities to participate in international championships and compete against leading Indoor Cricket nations from around the world.

IISF Board of Trustees

The current leadership of the Indian Indoor Sports Foundation comprises:

- Mr. Ajay Naik – Chairman

- Mr. Cetric Joe – President

- Mr. Prassana Kumar – General Secretary

- Dr. Dhanajeyan Jayavel – Joint Secretary

- Dr. Sunil Mohana Murthy – Treasurer

- Mr. Milind Punja – Advisor

Distinguished Sports Administrators Present

Mr. Prassana Kumar

Mr. Prassana Kumar is one of the most respected administrators in Indian Indoor Cricket. Apart from serving as General Secretary of IISF, he has enjoyed a distinguished career in outdoor cricket as a player, coach, manager, and administrator. Over the years, he has played a key role in organizing, managing, and leading numerous domestic and international cricket tours and development programs.

Dr. Dhanajeyan Jayavel

Dr. Dhanajeyan Jayavel is the Founder and Managing Director of Spectrum Physio Centre and serves as Joint Secretary and Trustee of IISF. He has been actively involved in sports medicine, athlete development, sports administration, and the promotion of Indoor Cricket across India.

Mr. Ratha Prasad Lankapalli, Mr. Prakash Chandrasekaran & Mr. Karthikeyan S

All three officials have proudly represented India at various international Indoor Cricket tournaments. Despite their demanding careers as Information Technology professionals and software engineers, they continue to dedicate significant time and effort towards developing Indoor Cricket in Tamil Nadu and supporting young athletes.

Mr. Suresh Krishna

Mr. Suresh Krishna is a former outdoor cricketer, sports advisor, sports infrastructure specialist, and Managing Partner at SPORTSINFRA. He has been actively involved in guiding sports development projects and advising organisations on the creation of sustainable sporting ecosystems, with a focus on sports infrastructure, facility development, and long-term planning.

Looking Towards the Future

The meeting concluded with a shared vision of creating a strong Indoor Cricket ecosystem in Tamil Nadu through partnerships between educational institutions, sports organizations, and community leaders.

The proposed collaboration between Ashram Group of Schools, IISF, and TNICA is expected to create new opportunities for students to participate in Indoor Cricket and other indoor sports while strengthening pathways for national and international representation.

The success story of Master S. N. Aathithiya Balaji stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when schools, parents, coaches, and sports organizations work together to nurture young talent.

As India prepares for the Junior World Series 2026 in South Africa, the IISF remains committed to its mission of building world-class Indoor Cricket infrastructure and producing future international champions from every corner of the country.