HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, December 5: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art cricket stadium at Umrangso in Dima Hasao district, featuring an earthen gallery with a seating capacity of 15,000.
Developed by the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), the facility also includes the newly built Senga Tularam Pavilion.
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The project aligns with the State government’s focus on nurturing sports talent and strengthening Assam’s sporting infrastructure.
The stadium, for which the foundation stone was laid on September 25, 2021, is set amid a scenic landscape and includes five centre wickets, a practice arena with five dedicated pitches, eight residential quarters for staff, and a pavilion capable of accommodating 32 players.
Addressing the inauguration programme, the chief minister announced that a new football stadium would soon be constructed adjacent to the cricket ground, forming a vibrant twin-stadium sports complex in Umrangso.
He said the government aims to host matches featuring national-level players in the near future and added that night matches at the venue would significantly enhance the spectator experience.
Sarma urged BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, ACA president Taranga Gogoi and North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council CEM Debolal Gorlosa to take steps to install floodlights at the stadium.
He further announced that a synthetic track would be laid at the proposed football stadium with full State funding.
The ACA has spent ₹11 crore on the cricket facility, he said, thanking the association for its efforts.
The chief minister also highlighted recent recruitment successes, noting that over 100 youths from Dima Hasao secured government jobs in the latest Assam Police recruitment drive.
Another recruitment cycle will begin soon, he said, encouraging local youth to prepare themselves physically.
Citing the example of Uma Chetry of Bokakhat—who rose from a small village to represent India in the Women’s Cricket World Cup—Sarma said that with proper support, many more talented sportspersons will emerge from remote districts like Dima Hasao.
With the cricketing ecosystem developing in Umrangso, several promising players are expected to gain prominence in the next five to ten years, he added.
Comparing the new facility to similar stadiums in Himachal Pradesh, the chief minister said Umrangso’s stadium too would become a cradle of cricketing excellence.
He assured that the State government would continue upgrading sports infrastructure.
Sarma also reviewed development initiatives in Dima Hasao, noting improvements in road connectivity and ongoing efforts to expand schools and colleges.
Calling Umrangso one of the most beautiful regions of Assam with vast tourism potential, he emphasised the need for collective efforts to accelerate its growth.
Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, ACA president and MLA Taranga Gogoi, NCHAC CEM Debolal Gorlosa, KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang, NCHAC chairman Mohit Hojai, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, ACA secretary Sanatan Das and several district council members were present at the event.
