Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Indoor Cricket Academy in Chümoukedima, boosting cricket in Nagaland.
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DIMAPUR — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the Indoor Cricket Academy in Chümoukedima during the closing ceremony marking 50 years of statehood of Sikkim.
The prime minister also virtually inaugurated similar indoor cricket academies across four more northeastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram – while the facility in Sikkim was inaugurated in person.
A virtual inauguration programme for the Indoor Cricket Academy in Chümoukedima was held in the presence of the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) President Kechangulie Rio, along with NCA officials and players.
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Speaking to media persons after the programme, Honorary Secretary of the Nagaland Cricket Association, Hyunilo Anilo Khing, described the academy as a long-cherished dream not only for Nagaland but for the entire Northeast.
He said frequent monsoon conditions in the region often disrupt outdoor cricket, making such an indoor facility crucial for uninterrupted training.
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Khing expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), particularly Jay Shah, for supporting the initiative. He said the academy would allow both boys and girls to train year-round, helping improve skills and encouraging greater participation in the sport.
He said the academy project commenced in August 2023 and was completed in September 2025. The facility includes four indoor practice pitches, a modern gymnasium, separate locker rooms for boys and girls, a cafeteria, and a semi-Olympic-size swimming pool with a depth of 1.35 metres.
Khing credited Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who had earlier served as president of the NCA, for first proposing the project. He said the academy reflects Rio’s vision and commitment to youth development and sports in the state.
He mentioned that the project was fully funded by the BCCI at a cost of INR 19.85 crore and was executed following all technical guidelines laid down by the board. The construction was undertaken by Nipani Infra and Industries Private Limited, based in Jabalpur, with Grant Thornton Bharat serving as the project management consultant.
Khing further said project costs vary across states and expressed hope for additional infrastructure support from the BCCI in the future.
He added that the initiative marks a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of cricketers in the region, noting that under Jay Shah’s leadership, cricket development in the Northeast has been prioritised at the national level.