Dimapur, Jan. 24 (EMN): The opening ceremony of the second edition of the Cricket tourney Bhojpuri Premier League was held at the Ram Janaki Hr. Sec. School ground in Dimapur on Wed. Jan 24. The proprietor of Chabou & Co and chairman of the Niathu Group, Kechangulie Rio, was the chief guest of the programme. The event is organised by the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj (NBS).
Addressing the Bhojpuri community, Rio said he was encouraged to see the close-knit relations shared by the community in Dimapur and how they have been promoting cricket through the Bhojpuri Premier League.
Rio said that Nagaland had been 'doing well lately in cricket in the national arena' and communicated that his father, the Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio who is also the president of Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), had always been involved in activities which encourage youths to incorporate sports in their lives.
Calling upon the Bhojpuri Samaj to continue with the endeavour to uplift the game of cricket in the state and to support NCA, he said it was the responsibility of the Samaj to see that sports is being promoted among the youngsters. He asked the participants to aspire for 'true sportsmanship spirit' both inside and outside the pitch. They can be an influence to others, he said.
Also, the NCA's Vice-President P Bendangtoshi Jamir sought to persuade parents to encourage their children to engage in cricket. He remarked that there was 'scope in cricket also.'
“To represent Nagaland does not mean only Nagas have to participate. Even non-Nagas of Nagaland who have a passion and talent for the sport can be part of the team and the talent can be nurtured by the Bhojpuri Samaj through such events,” Jamir said. Reminding the gathering that the Nagaland Cricket Association was now affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he said a team from Nagaland will be representing the state in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy.
Nagaland has Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 teams and there are enough opportunities for talented players in the state. A player may not necessarily be a Naga if they have talent and passion for the game, he said and assured support from the NCA to the Samaj.
Twelve teams are taking part in the six days league with 21 matches, and has set 21 trophies for individual winners in various categories.
The winning team of the tournament will receive a cash prize of INR 25000 besides a trophy while the runner-up will be awarded a cash prize of INR 15000.
