Minister Govindas hopeful of producing pro cricketers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 02 2023:
YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam has said Manipur is 'powerhouse of sports' in the country and this status has been made clearer with the entry of state cricket team in the elite group of Ranji trophy, the biggest domestic tournament of BCCI.
On reaching plate group of Ranji trophy, Manipur cricket team was felicitated at Classic Grande Hotel, Chingmeirong on Thursday with Govindas Konthoujam as chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Govindas Konthoujam said state government has been giving special emphasis on sports which are suited to people of Manipur and accordingly felicitated state cricket team which managed to enter elite group of Ranji trophy.
Terming the recent feat of state cricket team as historic, the YAS minister expressed hope that Manipur will soon have professional cricketers and this path is being cleared with the entry of elite group of Ranji trophy though cricket was not popular in the state in the past.
He also announced that Luwangpokpa cricket ground at Luwangsangbam has been given five years lease to BCCI and the country's cricketing body will develop infrastructure including floodlights to conduct international matches and national level tournaments.
Manipur Cricket Association (MCA) president and MLA RK Imo, who also attended the event, said that the association is always ready to extend help to clubs interested in playing cricket.
Career in cricket can develop even from 14 to 24 years, he said and appealed to parents to send their children for playing cricket.
He also said that Rs 20 lakh incentive provided by the government to the state cricket team in addition to Rs 15 lakh announced earlier for reaching plate group of Ranji trophy will encourage emerging cricketers.