Pakyong, October 08 (IPR): MLA cum Advisor, Power Department, Mr Sanjeet Kharel, in the presence of MLA Mr Aditya Golay and MLA cum Advisor for Roads and Bridges Department, Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha officially inaugurated the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) Residential Complex at Mining, Rangpo today.
The ceremony also had the presence of Secretary IPRD, Ms Annapurna Alley; Secretary, Sports Department, Ms Yangchen Doma Tamang; MD SBS, Mr Phurba Wangdi Bhutia; President SICA, Mr Tika Subba, along with officials from various line department, executives from SICA and general public.
The inauguration marks a step towards strengthening residential and training facilities for cricketers in the state, comprising of various amenities to provide accommodation and support to young cricketers undergoing training at the SICA residential academy.
The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) Residential Complex is part of the state’s vision of creating a cricket ecosystem to nurture players from the grassroots level and support their progression towards high-performance teams and national-level cricket. The complex comprises of SICA Guest House, dormitory, boys’ hostel, girls’ hostel, kitchen and dining hall, accommodating approximately 150 players and 40–50 support staff.
The SICA residential academy, which initially began with around 12–15 players, subsequently expanded to 30–40 players and currently accommodates nearly 70 young cricketers. The association also provides support for schooling, clothing and other requirements of academy players.
Additionally, the association has also established a structured pathway for players to pursue cricket as a career. Senior men and women players receive match fees, with earnings of around ₹50,000 per day and Former academy players have also progressed into roles as coaches, trainers and physiotherapists.
Prior to the inauguration programme, cricketing gear and kits were distributed to 24 schools across six districts as part of the initiative to promote sports among young children and encourage greater participation in cricket and other sporting activities.