Floodlights adorn Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 05 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground of Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex, Luwangsangbam today.

The inauguration programme was jointly organized by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and Manipur Cricket Association.

As a part of the programme, the Chief Minister also unveiled RK Jaichandra Singh Manipur Premier League T-20 Trophy for the season 2022-23 .

Speaking at the occasion, N Biren stated that the inauguration of floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground is a historic moment for the State.

He narrated the story of developing the ground and recalled the days when he was serving as the president of Manipur Cricket Association.

Hailing the Manipur cricket team for its qualification for the Ranji Trophy Elite Group, Biren announced that Rs 45 crore had been allocated to further develop the ground to international level.

Stating that Manipur has been endowed with scenic beauty, he sought support of the people to take the State on a path of speedy development.

He informed that the State Government, acknowledging the importance of the game of cricket for taking youth towards healthy life, would develop a lake front cricket stadium near the Loktak Lake.

He added that land had also been identified for the same.

He also wished the Manipur cricket team bigger achievements in future.

The Chief Minister also welcomed Indian cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Amit Mishra on their visit to the State.

Delivering his presidential speech, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, is leaving no stone unturned to promote games and sports by developing various sports infrastructure in each district of the State.

He informed that a multipurpose indoor hall will be constructed at the southern side of the Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground.

The State Government would develop a football stadium at the southern side of the ground which would also be fit for track and field events.

With all such development, he expressed hopefulness that Manipur will gain a new face in the field of games and sports within a few years.

An exhibition T-20 match was also played between Manipur XI and NECDC XI after the inauguration programme.

President, Manipur Cricket Association Rajkumar Imo Singh, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Leishemba Sanajaoba, former Union Minister Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, Ministers, MLAs and officials of Youths Affairs and Sports Department also attended the programme, among others.

Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also distributed portable blowers which can be used to extinguish fire to the Forest Department and Fire Service Department in a solemn function held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

Nine blowers were distributed to the officials of the Forest Department while 10 blowers were handed over to the Fire Service Department.

After distributing the blowers, the Chief Minister asked the officials to remain alert so that they can rush to the site where there is any report of fire.

He stated that the portable blowers will be useful in extinguishing fire as it can be taken to areas where fire tenders cannot reach.

He urged the people, specially those residing near foothills, to inform the authorities if they see anyone trying to burn trees in forest areas.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Dr AK Joshi, Director, Fire Services Themthing Ngashangva, officials of Forest and Fire Services were present during the programme.

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