Priest’s academy produces world-class sportsmen
George Kommattam - March 2026
On a serene hilltop in Kerala, where prayer halls stand alongside basketball courts, a quiet but powerful transformation has been unfolding for more than two decades.
At St. Ephrem’s Sports Academy, Carmelite Father Antony Kanjirathinkal has been redefining priestly ministry by shaping athletes, mentoring youth, and opening doors to futures once thought impossible.
Founded in 2003 and guided by Father Kanjirathinkal, the academy has emerged as one of southern India’s most consistent producers of basketball talent, with more than 100 players competing at the national level and at least five representing India internationally.
The academy functions under St. Ephrem’s Higher Secondary School in Mannanam, Kottayam, and operates as part of the Sports Training Aid Rendering Scheme of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Trivandrum province.
“My aim is to change their future,” the priest says. “Many talented children come from rural villages and coastal communities where opportunities are limited. If we discover their talent early and support them, their lives can change.”
So, Father Kanjirathinkal instils confidence, discipline and resilience among the youth from mostly underprivileged backgrounds, while attending to their spiritual needs.
Set against the backdrop of the Mannanam Hills, near the shrine of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the academy blends spirituality with sport.
What began as a modest basketball initiative has today evolved into a multi-sport training center offering structured coaching in basketball, football, cricket, and boxing.
With trained coaches, modern methods, and a disciplined routine, the academy focuses not only on technical skills but also on mental strength, teamwork, and character formation.
“A healthy body nurtures a sound soul,” says Father Kanjirathinkal, summarizing the philosophy behind the academy.
The priest’s journey into sports was shaped by both vocation and passion. A basketball enthusiast from his youth, he said he believed sports could play a crucial role in shaping young lives.
He studied theology at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram in Bengaluru, earned an economics degree from KE College Mannanam, and later completed a master’s degree in physical education.
This helped him design a program that integrates athletic training with academic growth and personal development.
“At our academy, sports is not only about winning medals. It is also about learning discipline, teamwork, leadership, and respect,” the priest said.
Over the years, St. Ephrem’s has become a powerhouse of basketball talent in Kerala. Its structured training and exposure to competitive tournaments have helped build a strong sporting culture.
Among its prominent alumni is Jerom Prince, who represented India in the Under-16 Asian Basketball Championship in Foshan, China, and later went on to play professionally.
“I began my basketball journey at St. Ephrem’s Basketball Academy, where I trained for five years,” Jerom recalled. “Fr. Antony’s vision and dedication built a strong basketball culture at the academy.”
Other players such as Muhammad Shiraz have also reached international platforms, representing India in Asian championships.
“Coming from a modest background, I never thought I would compete at the national level,” Shiraz says. “Fr. Antony believed in us and pushed us to work hard. Without his support, many of us would not be where we are today.”
The academy’s recent record underscores its consistency. In the 2025–2026 academic year alone, its basketball teams won nine championship titles and finished runners-up in two major tournaments, while nearly 20 players secured state-level medals.
The academy provides selected students with free coaching, hostel accommodation, meals, and formal education.
“Play well and study well,” Father Kanjirathinkal tells his students. “Both are important for their future.”
This emphasis on holistic development ensures that students grow not only as athletes but also as individuals prepared for life beyond sports.
Players like Jerin Joshy and Milan Jose Mathew describe their time at the academy as transformative—helping them grow mentally, physically, and emotionally while competing at national-level events such as the Jr. NBA Nationals and School Nationals.
The academy’s growing reputation has attracted international attention. In February 2026, American basketball coach Richard Lee Brooks conducted an intensive training program at the campus.
“It was a great pleasure to work with such enthusiastic young players,” Brooks said. “I was truly impressed by their dedication, discipline, and eagerness to learn. With continued training, many of these athletes have the potential to reach higher levels.”
He also praised the efforts of the academy’s coaching staff, noting their commitment to developing young talent.
While basketball remains its flagship sport, the academy has steadily expanded its programs.
Football training, introduced in 2025, focuses on teamwork, speed, and tactical play, with players already making their mark at the state and national level.
“We select candidates with economically poor backgrounds from coastal areas and provide them all the facilities free of cost to build a bright future for them through sports” Father Kanjirathinkal said.
Cricket coaching-supported by the Kerala Cricket Association-offers structured opportunities for both boys and girls, promoting inclusivity in sports.
The introduction of boxing has added another dimension, with early success already visible as one trainee has reached state-level competition.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is rare,” says Cleofas Alex, a professional football coach associated with the academy. “Under the leadership of Fr. Antony, the academy is building a platform where students can grow, learn, and succeed.”
Life at St. Ephrem’s follows a carefully structured routine. Students live on campus, balancing academic studies with rigorous training sessions.
Fr. Antony personally oversees their well-being, including nutrition-often sourcing fresh food from local markets to ensure athletes maintain peak physical condition.
He believes that success in sports depends not only on skill but also on proper diet, emotional stability, and a supportive environment.
Despite its achievements, the academy remains grounded in humility. Fr. Antony avoids publicity, focusing instead on the steady work of mentoring young people.
For him, success is not measured by medals alone, but by the lives transformed.
Each year, students arrive with dreams shaped by limitation. Many leave with confidence, discipline, and opportunities that redefine their future.
As St. Ephrem’s Sports Academy continues to grow, its vision is becoming more ambitious. With support from institutions such as the Kerala State Sports Council and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Kerala, along with increasing corporate partnerships, the foundation for expansion is already in place.
Father Kanjirathinkal now hopes to take the academy to the next level-creating a world-class training environment that can compete with the best sports institutions in the country.
And as the academy looks to the future, Father Kanjirathinkal plans to build a truly world-class sporting ecosystem by collaborating with corporates and companies, ensuring that even more young athletes can rise, compete, and succeed on the global stage.
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