Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated six indoor cricket academies across the North-East, marking a major boost to sports infrastructure in the region.
Developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the academies are located in Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). The facilities were virtually inaugurated during Sikkim’s 50th Year of Statehood Celebrations.
“The Honourable Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the facilities during a state function in Gangtok, Sikkim, marking a significant step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and unlocking the immense sporting potential of the North-East region,” the BCCI said in a release.
The project was conceptualized during the tenure of Jay Shah as BCCI secretary, with the foundation stone laid in May 2024. The academies have been designed as high-performance centres equipped with indoor practice pitches, gymnasiums, swimming pools and training blocks, enabling year-round training despite monsoon disruptions.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas said, “This initiative reflects a clear intent to take cricket infrastructure to every region and build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for the game.” Vice-president Rajeev Shukla added, “The focus now will be on creating competitive exposure and pathways that allow this talent to flourish at the highest level.”
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia said, “This is a major boost, and the cricketers from the region will benefit immensely as training will continue throughout the year, giving players the consistency they need to develop their game.”
The initiative is expected to expand access to professional training and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across the North-East.
Sovima academy opens new chapter for Nagaland cricket
The Indoor Cricket Academy at Sovima was virtually inaugurated on Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant development for cricket infrastructure in Nagaland.
According to the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), the facility represents a major milestone for the sport in the state. The project was conceptualized during the tenure of Jay Shah as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, with a focus on strengthening cricket infrastructure and expanding opportunities for young players.
Funded by the BCCI, the academy has been developed as a modern indoor training centre aimed at enabling year-round practice. The facility is expected to address challenges posed by weather conditions and provide a structured environment for skill development.
In a post, the NCA stated that the inauguration marks “a proud and historic milestone for cricket in Nagaland” and expressed gratitude to the BCCI, officials, players and others associated with the project.
The NCA said the inauguration signifies not only the opening of a new facility but also the beginning of a stronger future for cricket in the state.
“Indoor Cricket Academy, Sovima — built for today, inspiring tomorrow,” the NCA added.