Pine Labs launches first batch for Second Innings

The scheme attempts to help retired athletes to enter the corporate world

Six former athletes, from diverse disciplines, have been chosen by Pine Labs for the launch of its scheme ‘Second Innings’, in association with Natekar Sports and Fitness.

‘’We have a very vibrant startup economy. We have great talent in sports. If we get associated with them, it is a win-win situation for everyone,’’ said the CEO of Pine Labs, Amrish Rau, in an interaction with The Hindu.

The scheme attempts to help retired athletes to enter the corporate world by assessing them, understanding their field of interest, and equip them with suitable skill through training for a rewarding career.

‘’There are thousands of athletes who do not make it big owing to a variety of reasons like financial instability, injury, or politics. We are trying to help the vast pool in a small way with a transparent process. We don’t want to bite more than what we can chew,’’ said Gaurav Natekar, Asian Games gold medallist and former national tennis champion.

The first set of athletes, who have been chosen from different cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and National Capital Region (NCR), Chennai and Goa, belong to chess, hockey, football, tennis, and athletics.

There are both men and women, who will be given six months training in Pine Labs before being positioned in a job, best suited to them.

‘’We are keen to take this idea to other organisations to try and replicate this model. It may take time’’, said Amrish.