Cricket in Sikkim receives a significant boost as Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurates the Center of Excellence. The center, located at the Sikkim Cricket Ground in Mining, Pakyong district, includes a rainwater reservoir, clubhouse, and cafe, aiming to promote cricket in the region. CM Tamang believes that by promoting cricket, more cricket fans will emerge alongside the football enthusiasts in Sikkim.
The Center of Excellence has a key objective of providing proper grooming and training to young players. It offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, support from sports science, and guidance from experienced coaches. CM Tamang proposed this idea during a division tournament in 2023 when he served as the Sports Minister.
During the inauguration, CM Tamang acknowledged the history of cricket in Sikkim, which was established in 1987. He praised the collective efforts of various executive bodies in bringing cricket to its present state.
The Chief Minister also addressed a controversy surrounding the mining ground during his tenure as Sports Minister from 2007 to 2010. The cricket association faced a lease-related issue that jeopardized the ground. However, CM Tamang successfully renewed the lease, eventually becoming the Chief Minister.
This inauguration marks a new beginning for cricket in Sikkim. With development of this Center of Excellence, it is expected that Sikkim will produce talented cricketers who may even represent Indian cricket team in future.