Luwangpokpa illuminated, Lake Front cricket stadium on cards
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 05 2023:
Chief Minister N Biren inaugurated floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground of Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex, Luwangsangbam in Imphal East district on Sunday.
During the event, the CM said that his government will develop a cricket stadium near Loktak Lake in order to promote cricket in the state.
The inauguration programme was jointly organised by youth affairs & sports department and Manipur Cricket Association.
As part of the programme, the CM also unveiled RK Jaichandra Singh Manipur Premier League T-20 Trophy for the season 2022-23.Speaking on the occasion, Biren described inauguration of floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground as a historic moment for the state.
He recalled his stint as the president of Manipur Cricket Association during which his efforts to get qualified for the Ranji Trophy did not bear fruit.
Frustrated over the failure, he even thought of converting the cricket ground into a football ground.
Consequently, he gave up the post and entrusted RK Imo with the responsibility.
It turns out to be a good decision as the state, under his (Imo) leadership, is now qualified for Ranji Trophy elite group.
Seeing the performance of state players in the national tournament, the Central government sanctioned Rs 45 crore for developing the ground further to the international level, the CM said and also expressed elation that the state now has three stadiums with floodlight facilities.
Stating that Manipur is endowed with scenic beauty, he sought support of the people in taking the state towards further development.
He informed that the state government, understanding the importance of cricket, would develop a Lake Front Cricket Stadium near Loktak Lake and land has also been identified for the same.
He also conveyed best wishes to the Manipur Cricket team for further achievements in future.
The CM also welcomed Indian cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Amit Mishra on their visit to the state.
Delivering his presidential speech, YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam said that the state government, under the leadership of CM Biren, is leaving no stone unturned in the development of games and sports by developing various sports infrastructures in each district.
He further said that a multipurpose indoor hall will be constructed on the southern end of Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground.
The indoor hall will have facility for practicing different types of indoor games and it will help in easing congestion at Khuman Lampak, he added.
The minister also informed that the state government would develop a track and field stadium on the southern end of the ground.
He expressed confidence that with all these development, the state will gain a newer height in the field of games and sports within a few years.
An exhibition T-20 match, which was also participated by Mohammad Kaif and Amit Mishra, was also played between Manipur XI and NEC-DC XI after the inauguration programme.
Manipur Cricket Association president MLA Rajkumar Imo, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba, former union minister Thounaojam Chaoba, ministers, MLAs and officials of YAS department also attended the programme among others.
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