Sikkim cricket has made a substantial progress: CM

SAMIR NUGO

MINING,: Chief Minister PS Golay on Friday said Sikkim cricket has made a substantial progress and assured all possible support from government for the further growth of the game and the players.

“To play in the Ranji Trophy is a big opportunity for our cricketers because it is Ranji Trophy from where they can make it to the national team one day. The girls are also doing well,” said the Chief Minister. He was speaking to media while attending the final of the SICA ‘A’ Division cricket tournament at Mining near Rangpo.

Golay, who once led Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) as its president, also mentioned the efforts they made to promote the game of cricket in the State. It was during his tenure, when they approached the High Court, the Sikkim Cricket Association started receiving BCCI funds for infrastructural development and promotion of the sport.

“We were not affiliated to BCCI then. While other States enjoyed voting rights, we weren’t and we had to go through many struggles. We knew the State’s potential to produce good cricketers and for their future we even went to the court following which the BCCI started providing annual funding of Rs. 50 lakh for infrastructural development and promotion of the sport.”

He thanked BCCI for all the support they are providing to the State including the infrastructural development, and encouraged State cricketers to give their best and take advantage of the facilities they enjoy now towards achieving their goal of becoming successful cricketers.

“I feel there is every possibility of our boys and girls playing for India in the future,” the Chief Minister stated.

Golay also emphasized that politics should not be mixed with sports. “Politics and sports are two separate things. Do not mix them. Do not deny the contributors to the growth of the game, they are due recognition,” he said, indirectly hitting out at past SICA executive body.

“SICA should recognise contributions of their members, past or present. We can move ahead only by taking all together, both present and past members,” he added.

Golay also shared that the government is identifying land for construction of additional cricket grounds in the State.

“There is only one ground here. It is not sufficient as you need two grounds to hold international matches, one-day or T20 matches. For this, we are looking at different areas for a ground and if it is possible here, we will make it so that such facility is there. If an international match is held here in future, tourism will increase, hotels will run and all will benefit”, he said.

Cricketing infrastructure in Sikkim is gradually growing and the new executive body led by SICA president Tika Subba aims to build new infrastructures and facilities across the State which in turn will drive participation and sporting growth.