On a quiet hilltop in Kerala, St. Ephrem’s Sports Academy has been transforming young lives through sports and values for more than two decades. Guided by Carmelite priest Father Antony Kanjirathinkal, the academy has become a strong center for nurturing talent, especially in basketball.
Founded in 2003 under St. Ephrem’s Higher Secondary School in Mannanam, Kottayam, the academy has produced over 100 national-level players and at least five international players. Many students come from rural and coastal areas with limited opportunities. The academy offers them free coaching, education, accommodation, and meals.
Father Kanjirathinkal believes sports can change lives. Along with training, he focuses on discipline, confidence, teamwork, and spiritual growth. “Play well and study well,” he tells his students, stressing the importance of both education and sports.
The academy, set near the shrine of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, combines prayer and sports in daily life. What began as a small basketball program has grown into a multi-sport center offering football, cricket, and boxing.
Several former students have reached national and international levels, crediting the academy for their success. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the academy won nine championships and earned many state-level medals.
The academy has also gained international attention, with foreign coaches visiting to train students. Despite its growth, it remains focused on its mission of service.
Father Kanjirathinkal hopes to develop it into a world-class sports center, giving more young people the chance to build a better future through sports.
