Event Overview:
SSF Kerala Express was a flagship initiative by the Sanju Samson Foundation (SSF), aimed at discovering and nurturing Kerala’s next generation of fast bowlers. The event took place in Kochi, bringing together 25 young bowlers from across 14 districts in Kerala to showcase their speed, skill, and potential. The event was designed to provide a platform for local talent to shine, especially in an environment that challenges them to push their limits.

Key Event Highlights:

• Total Participants: 25 bowlers from 14 districts of Kerala.
• Mentorship & Selection: Former Indian pacer Tinu Yohannan served as the event’s mentor and selector, with Sanju Samson himself motivating and guiding the players throughout the event.
• Rounds of Competition: The event consisted of multiple rounds where participants competed in high-intensity trials to bowl at speeds exceeding 124 km/h, with the top 12 bowlers advancing to the next rounds.
• Top Speed Achieved: Some participants touched speeds near 140 km/h, showcasing immense raw potential.
• Winners & Prizes: The top 3 bowlers were awarded prizes, including a ₹1 lakh cash prize, monthly scholarships, and sponsorships for one year, along with training and mentorship.

Vision & Mission of SSF Kerala Express:

Vision:
SSF Kerala Express was conceived with a vision to uncover and empower young talent from Kerala’s grassroots, specifically focusing on fast bowling—one of the most demanding yet underrepresented aspects of cricket. The event aimed to provide athletes with opportunities that would help them transition from local tennis-ball cricket to the professional cricketing stage.

Mission:

• Empower youth through sports.
• Support underprivileged athletes who may lack the necessary resources to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.
• Create pathways for talent to reach higher levels in professional cricket by offering mentorship, sponsorship, and training opportunities.
• Give back to society by investing in the next generation of cricketers and creating a sustainable, lasting impact.

Stakeholders & Partners:

• Sanju Samson Foundation (SSF) – Organizer and driving force behind the event.
• Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) – Official partner, supporting the event and contributing to its success.
• Tinu Yohannan – Event mentor, providing professional expertise and guidance.
• Basil Joseph & Johny Antony – Special guests, lending their celebrity status to inspire participants and add value to the event.

Beneficiaries:

• Young Athletes: Local bowlers from across Kerala, particularly those from underserved communities, were given a rare opportunity to compete at a high level and showcase their potential.
• SSF Kerala Express Winners: The top 3 bowlers received valuable prizes, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities to help them advance in their cricketing careers.
• SSF Community: The event further solidified SSF’s mission of community development through sports, offering long-term benefits to all those involved.

Opportunities Provided:

• Platform for Young Talent: SSF Kerala Express provided participants with the opportunity to showcase their speed and skill on a prominent platform.
• Exposure to Professional Coaches: Participants had the opportunity to be mentored by one of India’s most experienced pacers, Tinu Yohannan, who helped identify and guide future cricketers.
• Performance Training: Top-performing bowlers received access to high-performance training facilities and expert advice.
• Sponsorship & Scholarships: Winners were awarded Puma sponsorships and monthly scholarships to support their development over the next year.
• International Exposure: The event opened doors for international-level exposure for the top 3 performers, offering them a pathway to higher cricketing levels.

Support Pillars:

• Cricket Mentorship: Led by Tinu Yohannan, who shared his wealth of experience to guide these budding athletes.
• Sponsorship Support: Puma provided branded sponsorships to the winners, ensuring they had the right gear for future competitions.
• SSF’s Ongoing Commitment: SSF has committed to providing continued financial and technical support for the top performers, helping them develop both on and off the field.

Winners & Their Benefits:

1. First Place – Sai Venkat
   1. Prize: ₹1 Lakh Cash Prize
   2. Benefits: Monthly Scholarship, one-year sponsorship by Puma, High-performance training, and Mentorship by Tinu Yohannan.
2. Other Winners – Abdul Ashad & Jithin Joy
   1. Prize:, one-year sponsorship by Puma, High-performance training, and Mentorship by Tinu Yohannan.

Notable Talents from the Talent Hunt:

The event successfully unearthed several raw talents who have now received further opportunities to showcase their skills. Some notable performers, like Sai Venkat, Abdul Ashad, and Jithin Joy, have already made an impact, and others have shown immense potential for future growth. Their progress will be closely monitored by SSF, with continued training, support, and mentoring opportunities.

From Tennis Ball Cricket to Professional Cricket:

SSF Kerala Express was designed to bridge the gap between local tennis ball cricket and professional cricket. Many young athletes start their cricketing journey playing tennis-ball cricket in their communities, but transitioning to professional cricket requires more than just passion. SSF Kerala Express gave these athletes the chance to move from informal, local-level competitions to structured, high-performance cricketing environments.

Dreams of Representing on Bigger Stages:

The ultimate goal of SSF Kerala Express is to help these athletes fulfill their dreams of representing Kerala and India on the bigger cricketing stages. Through the support of SSF, Kerala Express has provided a platform for these aspiring athletes to take their talent to new heights and, with continued guidance and opportunity, potentially step onto the global stage of cricket.