Imphal (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh inaugurated floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground of Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex, Luwangsangbam on Sunday.
The inauguration programme was organised jointly by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur and Manipur Cricket Association.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister also unveiled R.K. Jaichandra Singh Manipur Premier League T-20 Trophy for the season 2022-23.
Speaking on the occasion, Biren stated that the inauguration of floodlights at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground is a historic moment for the State. He narrated the story on developing the ground and recalled the days when he was serving as the President of Manipur Cricket Association.
He expressed satisfaction with the Manipur Cricket team getting qualified in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group. He further informed that Rs. 45 crore had been allocated to further develop the ground to international level.
Stating that Manipur has been endowed with scenic beauty, he sought 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 healthy life, would develop a Lake Front Cricket Stadium near the Loktak Lake.
He conveyed that land had also been identified for the same. He also wished the Manipur Cricket team for further achievements in future. The Chief Minister also welcomed Indian Cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Amit Mishra on the visit to the State.
Delivering his presidential speech, 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 that a multipurpose indoor hall will be constructed at the southern side of the Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground. The indoor hall will ease the congestion for practicing at Khuman Lampak, he added.
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 hope 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.
President, Manipur Cricket Association Rajkumar Imo Singh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, former Union Minister Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, Ministers, Members of Legislative Assembly and officials of Youths Affairs and Sports Department also attended the programme among others.
Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister Biren distributed portable blowers which can be used to extinguish fire to the Forest Department and Fire Service Department in a solemn function held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Altogether 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 complain of fire. He stated that the portable blowers will be useful in extinguishing fire as it can be taken to areas where we cannot go with vehicles.
He urged the people specially residing near foothills to inform the authority if they see anyone trying to burn trees at forest areas.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Dr AK Joshi, Director, Fire Services Themthing Ngashangva, officials of Forest and Fire Services were present during the programme.
