The match officiating centre of Sovima Cricket Ground (SCG) was inaugurated on Tuesday . The programme was chaired by secretary of Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), Hyunilo Anilo Khing who welcomed NECDC officials from six states who attended the programme.
According to a press release by the Media and communication cell of Nagaland Cricket Association, Khing, In his opening remarks, stressed on the much needed officiating centre for smooth conduct of tournaments and trainings at the cricket ground. He thanked BCCI for funding the project and making it a reality for overall growth of cricket in the state.
Chairman, Sovima Village Council, Sebastian Zumvü, in his speech welcomed players and officials of the six states to Sovima village and spoke of how Sovima was in the past and what it has become of today.
He quoted Onida’s bottomline ‘owners pride, neighbours envy’ to refer to Sovima because of the good infrastructure, especially of sports, and good roads presently at Sovima.
He said that sports unlike other set ups unite and bring people together and integration can be fulfilled.
He was also hopeful that the stadium would witness bigger tournaments in the future and that Sovima Village Council will always oblige to help.
Dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Pastor Zhau Sanchu Associate Pastor, CRC, Sovima.
President Nagaland Cricket Association, Kechangulie Rio in his inauguration speech thanked and welcomed officials and team members of participating teams of the 1st NECDC Interstate Friendship Senior Men’s Tournament.
He said Sovima Cricket ground is the second cricket ground in the state which was inaugurated in the year 2021 and has been providing services to training cricketers and hosting local and district tournaments since its inception and the need for an officiating centre which was due has been finally fulfilled. Conditioning camp for North East zonal team for Duleep trophy was conducted at SCG and the first ever Women’s T-20 tournament in the state was played at SCG too.
He mentioned that Sovima Cricket Ground will go a long way as a stepping stone for many male and female budding cricketers. He thanked the Sovima Village Council for granting Sovima Cricket Ground and infrastructures for a lease period of 35 years which will ultimately benefit the NCA in promoting cricket in the state.
The Nagaland Cricket Association has also invited all fans to witness the 1st NECDC Interstate Friendship Senior Men’s Tournament hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association.
NECDC comprising of six Northeast states viz, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Sikkim will be partaking in the tournament from March 29 to April 3 and will be played at two different venues- one at Nagaland Cricket Stadium and the other at Sovima Cricket Ground.
The Nagaland team will be led by Mr. Jonathan Rongsen as captain backed up by a strong team of both experienced and young blood.
The first inaugural opening match on March 29 will be played at 08:45am between Nagaland and Mizoram at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, while Meghalaya will take on Arunachal Pradesh at Sovima Cricket Ground simultaneously.
Friday, June 27, 2025