Bhopal: A new cricket pitch at Bhojpur Club was inaugurated by retired Director General of Police (DGP) Pawan Jain and former ADG Sushibhan Banerjee. Dignitaries present on the occasion included former DGP Arunveshwar Singhdev, Yatish Chandra, G.C. Kevalramani, Ashish Taneja, Bharat Mishra, Gopal Awasthi, and Suraj Bagzai, alongside other cricketers and club members.
The guests also honored the artisans who constructed the pitch. Previously, three practice pitches were operational at the Bhojpur Club cricket arena; this new pitch was constructed in response to requests from club members and local cricketers
The capital’s Bhojpur Club offers a wide range of facilities—from sports to entertainment. Over the past few years, the club has carved a special place for itself in people’s hearts, largely due to its cricket training activities. It has emerged as a vital support system for children aspiring to build a career in cricket, while also overcoming weather-related constraints.
Furthermore, while the club once held an image of exclusivity—catering only to the elite—that perception has changed; children from middle-class families now come here for cricket training, pursuing their dreams without any discrimination.
A Key Venue for Cricket
In recent years, Bhojpur Club has emerged as a premier venue for cricket enthusiasts. Children and senior players currently practice daily on three pitches. A fourth pitch is now ready, providing players with even greater opportunities to hone their skills.
The facility features a new turf pitch, making practice easier—especially for children—alongside cement pitches that are excellent for cricket training. Furthermore, there are facilities for the emerging sport of Pickleball; players training here participate in national-level competitions, further enhancing the club’s reputation.
No Fees
A unique feature of the club is that no additional fees are charged for the sports played here. These facilities are provided free of charge not only to members but also to renowned players from the state. These amenities are consistently provided under the guidance of Aruneshwar Sharan Singh Deo, Chairman of the Bhojpur Club and Sports Promoter Group, and Sushobhan Banerjee (former DGP), Chairman of the Cricket Committee.
Cricket at Night
There are hardly any other places in the city offering facilities for cricket, Pickleball, badminton, or other sports at night. The lighting system here—designed under the guidance of Adityeshwar Sharan Singh—is modeled after the lighting at Adelaide, Australia.
Club Produced Players Who Earned Acclaim
The club is not merely a venue for practice or recreation; many young people have built successful careers and secured their futures through consistent training here. Several cricketers from the club have reached the IPL and even secured spots in the Indian national team.
Players such as Mohnish Mishra, JP Yadav, Ishwar Pandey, Aniket Verma, Punit Date, Saumya Tiwari, Kranti Gaur (a key member of the World Cup team), Nikita, and Deepika Shakya have trained here.
Sushobhan Banerjee, DGP, said, “The work Bhojpur Club is doing to nurture sports is exemplary. Many children have learned here and gone on to play at higher levels, while other members are improving their fitness. The club offers excellent facilities, particularly for cricket.”
AS Singh Deo, Chairman, Sports Promoter Group said, “The synergy between sports and fitness is evident at Bhojpur Club. The facilities being provided to members at the club are proving to be highly beneficial. Beyond just honing their sporting skills, there is a keen interest among people in pickleball, alongside cricket.”
