New Delhi: Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually inaugurated a network of indoor cricket academies in six northeastern states, marking a major step up in sports infrastructure and grassroots development in the region.The Prime Minister launched the facilities in Gangtok and inaugurated state-of-the-art indoor colleges in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland. These projects are made up of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), aiming to provide uninterrupted training facilities despite the region’s long monsoon season.‘Historic moment’ for Manipur cricketThe Manipur Cricket Association’s Indoor Academy at the Rwang Pokpal Cricket Stadium in Imphal stands out as a flagship facility. It is equipped with three driving ranges, a gymnasium, administrative offices and a swimming pool and is designed to support high-level training throughout the year.Manipur Cricket Association secretary Lairenjam Geetranjan Singh termed it a “historic moment” and said the academy will change the cricket landscape in the state. “This world-class facility will enable our players to train throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season, without having to go out,” he told IANS.He added that the BCCI will bear the maintenance and operational expenses for the next two years. Highlighting the recent success, Singh said, “Manipur reached five domestic finals and won two Under-19 titles in 2025. All our players are local talents developed over the years.”Arunachal facility a ‘landmark day’In Arunachal Pradesh, the Doimukh Indoor Academy developed in conjunction with the Arunachal Cricket Association was hailed as a “landmark day” by President Nabam Vivek. “This will be a turning point, especially as the monsoon here lasts for six to seven months,” he said while stressing the need for stadiums to host domestic matches.Veteran player Techi Doria echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the long-standing challenges. “Previously, training during the rainy season was difficult. Now, such problems will be avoided.” He added that the facility would motivate players to keep training.Helping Northeast Sports EcosystemAddressing the event, Modi emphasized that such infrastructure will “nurture local talent, provide better training opportunities and strengthen the growing sports ecosystem in the Northeast.”The Prime Minister, who is currently on an official visit to Gangtok, also launched several development projects earlier in the day, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to expand sports and infrastructure capabilities across the region.
