PM Narendra Modi (Video grab) NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi on Tuesday practically inaugurated a network of indoor cricket academies in six northeastern states, marking a major push to boost sports infrastructure and local development in the region.Launching the facility from Gangtok, the Prime Minister unveiled state-of-the-art indoor academies in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland. The projects supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aim to provide round-the-clock training facilities despite the extended monsoon season in the region.A “historic moment” for Manipur cricketAt the Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium in Imphal, the Manipur Cricket Association Indoor Academy stands out as a flagship facility. Featuring three practice pitches, a gymnasium, administrative offices and a swimming pool, it is designed to support high-performance training all year round.Manipur Cricket Association secretary Lairenjam Geetranjan Singh called it a “historic moment” and said the academy would change the cricketing landscape in the state. “This world-class facility will enable our players to train throughout the year, especially in the rainy season, without having to travel outside,” he told IANS.He added that the BCCI will bear the maintenance and operation costs for the next two years. Highlighting the recent success, Singh said, “Manipur has reached five domestic finals in 2025 and won two Under-19 titles. All our players are local talents who have been groomed over the years.”Arunachal facility is a ‘significant day’In Arunachal Pradesh, the Doimukh Indoor Academy – developed jointly with the Arunachal Cricket Association – was hailed as a “significant day” by President Nabam Vivek. “It will be a turning point, especially as the monsoon lasts here for six to seven months,” he said, stressing the need for stadiums to host domestic competitions.Senior player Techi Doria echoed that sentiment, highlighting the long-term challenges. “Earlier, training during the rainy season was difficult. Now we will avoid similar problems,” he said, adding that the facility will motivate the players to train consistently.Strengthening the Northeast Sports EcosystemSpeaking at the event, Modi emphasized that such infrastructure would “grow local talent, provide better training opportunities and strengthen the growing sports ecosystem in the Northeast”.The Prime Minister, who is currently on an official visit to Gangtok, also launched several development projects on the day, highlighting the Centre’s focus on expanding sports and infrastructural capacities across the region.
