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Dravid joins prestigious Laureus World Sports Academy

Former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid has been elected as the newest member of Laureus World Sports Academy, becoming the 47th member of the panel.

Dravid, the fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket, was at a school today in London's East End, meeting young coaches who have been trained with support from the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

"It is a great privilege to be invited to join the Academy and I look forward to supporting the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. I am truly honoured to be recognised alongside some of the greatest sportsmen and women we have ever seen,” Dravid said..

"Sport has given me so much, and it is wonderful to now have the opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives," he added.

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Waugh all in praise for Dravid

Giving Dravid a warm welcome to the Laureus Family was fellow Academy Member Steve Waugh, who retired in January 2004 as the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket, with 41 wins in 57 Tests.

"On behalf of all the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy I would like to welcome Rahul. He achieved amazing success in an illustrious career. He was so pugnacious and determined when he was at the crease, he could have been an Aussie," Waugh said.

"He shares with all of us in the Academy the belief about how effective sport can be in tackling problems and bringing people together which is at the heart of the Laureus philosophy."

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'Rahul had an incredible temperament'

England cricket legend and Laureus World Sports Academy Member Sir Ian Botham shared the same view saying that, "Rahul had an incredible temperament and was a run-making machine. He was immovable and could stay there for hours. No wonder they called him 'The Wall'.

"I am delighted that he will be joining us in the Laureus Academy. I look forward to welcoming him."

The young cricket leaders who Waugh and Dravid met came from a project at the Christ Church C of E School, modelled on the Urban Academy, founded by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation partner Active Communities Network.