Sikkim Cricket Association marks foundation day by helping players with their academy

SAMIR NUGO

GANGTOK,: Sikkim Cricket Association celebrated its 36^th Foundation Day today, marking a milestone in a journey that began this day in 1987.  

Recognising and celebrating those who give so much to the game of cricket, to see it thrive in their local area, the governing body for cricket in Sikkim held its foundation day celebrations at Amba village in Pakyong district where a cricket academy run by two of its players has been offering young cricketers from the area a pathway into the sport.

Amba Cricket Academy was set up by cricketers Kiran Regmi and Gyalpo Sherpa in 2020 to help teach cricket to the children in their village.

However, with limited resources, there’s only so much that they can do. The infrastructure is minimal – and the academy is operating on a leased property.

The day dedicated to the Amba Cricket Academy saw SICA raise money for the academy. At least Rs. 1.36 lakh was contributed by SICA players, while the association has announced annual financial grant to the academy.

SICA president Tika Subba said, “Cricketers Kiran Regmi and Gyalpo Sherpa have gone above and beyond to open the game up to new audiences by running a cricket academy on their own.  Sikkim Cricket Association has been continuously working on developing cricket in the State, and players teaching cricket to next batch of players is a step ahead in the same direction, and encouraging. Not just that, but Amba Cricket Academy’s drive, determination and passion for the sport is clear. We are happy to help the academy and this partnership will help in furtherance of cricket. These reasons made our decision very simple to celebrate our foundation day with the academy.”

He appreciated Kiran and Gyalpo for using their experience to offer youngsters a cricket education.

“As a cricket association, we fully understand the importance of nurturing the grassroots of the game as, without it, many talented players would simply slip through the net,” added Subba.

With limited resources, the academy has been providing aspiring cricketers with an opportunity to hone their skills and pursue a career in professional cricket.

The academy is also cultivating a passion for cricket.

There are already 50-60 youngsters honing their cricketing skills at the academy.

Kiran and Gyalpo said they hoped to inspire more children into cricket as the game grows in the State.

Area MLA Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, who was present as the chief guest, said, “It is a pleasure to have the whole of SICA at Amba today and see the work that the SICA are doing to support cricket and cricketers.”

He also praised the work done in his local area by Kiran and Gyalpo through the academy and assured government assistance for some infrastructural works of the academy.

“SICA has helped to provide the academy with the help that they need. Now, we need our community to invest – for the cricket talents from our region,” the MLA added.

He congratulated Kiran and Gyalpo and encouraged aspiring cricketers to visit the academy.

On the occasion, SICA honoured its meritorious players for the year.

The ‘Player of The Season’ award was presented to senior men cricketer Palzor Tamang, who had an incredible season with the ball.

Sumit Singh, who along with Palzor, spearheaded Sikkim’s bowling attack in the Indian domestic season of 202-23, received the ‘Best All-rounder’ award.

The ‘SICA Emerging Player’ award for young male and female cricketer of the season was presented to Parvin Kuikel and Leezamit Lepcha respectively.

SICA also honoured the best emerging players who didn’t get to play national tournaments. The honourees, Denree Lepcha and Sonia Rai performed brilliantly in SICA domestic competitions.  

Besides, the association felicitated Kenneth Brian Cashmore, Sikkim Hermonites, family of Kalu Ram Thirani, Thupten Rapgyal Bhutia, Parmatma Singh and chief secretary VB Pathak for their contributions to Sikkim cricket and the association since its inception.

Also, Amba Cricket Academy felicitated Pakyong DC Tashi Chophel, SICA coach Sonam Palden Bhutia and Jagat Prasad Regmi who has let out land to the academy on a minimal rate.

SICA had also organised fun games and contests for kids from the local schools. The winners were presented with cricket bats and other accessories. One lucky draw winner got a cricket kit set worth Rs. 20,000.

The celebration also had Pakyong zilla upadhakshya Prabha Pradhan Chettri, Amba GPU panchayat president Anjali Chettri, Pakyong ACF SP Bhutia, school heads and local gentries.