Imphal, March 06: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground of Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex in Imphal. The inauguration programme was organized jointly by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Government of Manipur, and the Manipur Cricket Association.
As a part of the programme, the chief minister also unveiled RK Jaichandra Singh Manipur Premier League T-20 Trophy for the season 2022-23.
Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh stated that the inauguration of floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground is a historic moment for the state. He narrated the story of developing the ground and recalled the days when he was serving as the President of the Manipur Cricket Association.
Happy to inaugurate the newly installed floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground of Luwangsangbam Multi-Sports Complex & attend the Exhibition Match.
Manipur’s entry into the Elite Group of Ranji Trophy was a moment of pride & it has shown that we can excel in cricket as well. pic.twitter.com/wPhiku8T9W— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) March 5, 2023
He expressed satisfaction with the Manipur Cricket team getting qualified for the Ranji Trophy Elite Group. He further informed that Rs 45 crore had been allocated to develop the ground to the international level further.
Stating that Manipur has been endowed with scenic beauty, he sought the support of the people to take the state towards further development. He informed that the State Government, knowing the importance of the game of cricket for taking youths towards a healthy life, would develop a Lake Front Cricket Stadium near the Loktak Lake.
He further added that land had also been identified for the same. He also wished the Manipur Cricket team further achievements in the future and also welcomed Indian Cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Amit Mishra on the visit to the state.
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Youths Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, is leaving no stone unturned in the development of games and sports by developing various sports infrastructures in each district of the state. He informed me that a multipurpose indoor hall will be constructed on the southern side of the Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground. He added that the indoor hall will ease the congestion for practicing at Khuman Lampak.
The Minister also informed that the State Government would develop a track and field football stadium at the southern side of the ground. With all such development, he expressed hopefulness that Manipur will gain a new face in the field of games and sports within a few years. An exhibition T-20 match was also played between Manipur XI and NECDC XI after the inauguration programme.
Earlier in the morning, chief minister N Biren Singh also distributed portable blowers which can be used to extinguish the fire to the Forest Department and Fire Service Department in a solemn function held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Nine blowers were distributed to the officials of the Forest Department while 10 blowers were handed over to the Fire Service Department.
Instructing the officials after distributing the blowers, the chief minister asked the officials to remain alert so that they can rush to the site where there is a complaint of fire. He stated that the portable blowers will be useful in extinguishing fire as they can be taken to areas where we cannot go with vehicles.
Furthermore, he urged the people, especially those residing near the foothills to inform the authority if they see anyone trying to burn trees in forest areas.
