Rs 45 crore allocated to develop Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground

Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Imphal/ March 05, 2023 (SPN) | Manipur Chief Minister N Biren dedicated the floodlights at the Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground, which is part of the Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex in Luwangsangbam today.

Biren expressed his delight at the Manipur Cricket team‘s achievement in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group and announced that Rs. 45 crore had been set aside to develop the ground to an international standard.

The inauguration ceremony was co-hosted by the Government of Manipur’s Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Manipur Cricket Association.

The Chief Minister also unveiled the R.K. Jaichandra Singh Manipur Premier League T-20 Trophy for the upcoming 2022-23 season during the ceremony.

Biren spoke on the momentous moment for the state, recounting the narrative of the Luwangpokpa Cricket ground’s development and reminiscing his time as President of the Manipur Cricket Association.

He also added that Manipur is endowed with scenic beauty and requested the people’s cooperation in moving the state forward. Recognizing the value of cricket in fostering a healthy lifestyle among kids, the State Government intends to build a Lake Front Cricket Stadium near Loktak Lake, and land for the project has already been found. Biren wished the Manipur Cricket team success in the future and welcomed Indian cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Amit Mishra to the state.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govindas Konthoujam delivered the presidential address, stating that the State Government, led by CM N Biren, is leaving no stone unturned in the development of games and sports by constructing various sports infrastructures in each district of the State.

Govindas Konthoujam stated that a multipurpose indoor hall would be built on the southern side of the Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground to relieve congestion at Khuman Lampak. He also stated that the State Government intends to build a track and field football stadium on the ground’s southern side, expressing hope that Manipur will get a new face in the sphere of games and sports within a few years.

During the inauguration ceremony, an exhibition T-20 match was played between Manipur XI and NECDC XI at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground. Several officials from various departments attended the event, including Manipur Cricket Association President Rajkumar Imo Singh, Rajya Sabha Member Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, former Union Minister Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, Ministers, Members of Legislative Assembly, and Youths Affairs and Sports Department officials.