On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated indoor cricket academies in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh through a virtual event held in Gangtok. This initiative marks a substantial improvement in sports infrastructure within the northeastern region of India, allowing players to train year-round irrespective of seasonal challenges.
The indoor cricket academy in Manipur is situated at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium in Imphal and is funded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to Lairenjam Geetranjan Singh, Secretary of the Manipur Cricket Association, this state-of-the-art facility features three indoor practice pitches, a gymnasium, an administrative office, and even a swimming pool. He emphasized the significance of this project, indicating its potential to enhance local cricket talent development across both genders.
Singh mentioned that the academy’s establishment is especially beneficial during the rainy season, allowing uninterrupted training and coaching sessions within the state. With recent accomplishments, including reaching the finals in five BCCI domestic tournaments, Singh is optimistic that this new facility will empower local cricketers and elevate the overall standard of cricket in Manipur. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration of an analogous academy in Arunachal Pradesh reinforces the commitment to developing sports in the northeast. The academy in Doimukh incorporates modern training nets and fitness centers to adapt to the region’s climatic conditions.