Gangtok, 28 April (H.S.):

In a significant move to strengthen India's cricketing infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated state-of-the-art indoor cricket academies across six states in Northeast India. The inauguration was conducted virtually during a state ceremony held in Gangtok, Sikkim.

Developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), these academies have been established in Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madanrting (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). This project marks the first major initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive high-performance ecosystem for cricket in the Northeastern region, ensuring that local athletes have access to world-class facilities within their own states.

The event was attended by

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah, along with prominent BCCI office-bearers and senior officials, while representatives from the various Northeastern states joined via video conferencing.

Equipped with World-Class Amenities

These academies have been designed as high-performance centers featuring indoor practice pitches, modern gymnasiums, temperature-controlled swimming pools, and specialized training and administrative blocks. These facilities will enable athletes to train throughout the year, ensuring that practice schedules remain uninterrupted even during the region's prolonged monsoon season.

A New Platform for Northeastern Talent

This initiative is considered a pivotal step following the integration of Northeastern states into India’s domestic cricket framework, providing aspiring players with enhanced opportunities, professional training, and greater visibility.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas stated that the Prime Minister’s inauguration of these facilities is a vital stride toward bringing cricket to every corner of the country, ensuring that players in the Northeast receive amenities comparable to those available in other parts of India.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the day as historic, emphasizing that the project will provide players with the opportunity for consistent year-round practice, which will likely lead to an increased number of athletes from the region reaching the national level.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla noted that these academies will provide the necessary structure and opportunities to catalyze sustained cricketing development in the region over the coming years. Joint Secretary Prabhtej Bhatia characterized the initiative as a long-term investment, one that will establish a robust foundation for grassroots talent development.

Furthermore, Treasurer A. Raghuram Bhat reaffirmed the BCCI’s commitment to expanding cricketing infrastructure nationwide, highlighting that such initiatives are essential to ensuring the enduring strength of Indian cricket.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar