Sikkim Cricket Association celebrates 37th Foundation Day at Kitam

SAMIR NUGO

NAMCHI,: Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) commemorated its 37th Foundation Day amidst a spirit of camaraderie and dedication at Namchi district’s Kitam.  

The event, held in collaboration with Namchi District Cricket Committee and Kitam Manpur GPU, had Namchi DC Annapurna Alley as the chief guest, Namchi SP Dr. T.N. Gyatso, Gangtok SP Karma Gyamtso Bhutia, Sports joint director (Namchi) Tshering Ongmu Bhutia, representatives of different sports associations, local dignitaries and local school students and principals.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Annapurna Alley congratulated Sikkim Cricket Association on reaching this significant milestone.  She lauded SICA’s unwavering dedication since its inception in 1987 for the promotion cricket in the State. She said SICA, over the years, has played role in nurturing cricketing talent and fostering a love for the sport across the state.

Alley expressed delight at SICA’s trajectory of expansion and progress and commended the association’s inclusive approach through initiatives such as the establishment of a free cricket academy for underprivileged individuals.

She also appreciated SICA for organising inter-school cricket tournaments. “This initiative will not only provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills, but also inspire a new generation of cricketers to dream big and aim for the stars,” she said.

SICA president Tika Subba, in his address, shared SICA’s vision of excellence and aspiration for the State's cricketers.

Subba emphasized the importance of performance from cricketers, stating that while the association can facilitate, it’s ultimately up to the players. He expressed aspirations to see Sikkimese players represent Team India and participate in the IPL, believing that with time, cricketers from the State will undoubtedly represent the nation.

The SICA president praised the supportive role of the State government and acknowledged the contributions of past and present association members and officials. He highlighted the association's efforts in decentralizing responsibilities to district cricket associations to expand the reach of the sport.  

Subba shared SICA’s initiatives to promote cricket in the State through infrastructure development and inter-school tournaments. He encouraged school children to participate in sports alongside their studies. He cited career opportunities in cricket and highlighted success stories of Sikkimese players and support staff including physiotherapist Sheril Lepcha’s appointment to the Gujarat Giants' Women's Premier League team.

Subba emphasized the importance of collective support for furthering the development of cricket in Sikkim, highlighting the integral role of community involvement in realizing the association’s aspirations.

The foundation day celebration saw the presentation of annual SICA Awards where the top performers at the national level were awarded. The winners of different awards this year are: Denree Lepcha (Player of the Year), Ankur Malik (All-rounder of the Year), Md Emanuddin (Emerging Player of the Year), Palzor Tamang (Best Male Cricketer-Senior), Robin Limboo (Best Male Cricketer-Junior), Purni Maya Gurung (Best Woman Cricketer-Senior) and Samayita Roy Prodhan (Best Woman Cricketer-Junior).

Additionally, SICA felicitated nine individuals and Kitam-Manpur GPU for their contributions.

Former president Vinod K. Pradhan, former councillor Yap Namgyal Wangdi Bhutia, coach Dhiraj Gurung, and team manager Topden Lepcha were posthumously honoured alongside. Other individuals who were felicitated included former SICA joint secretary and coach Lakpa Sherpa, SAP commandant Linda Palmo Bhutia, SAF Games medallist RB Subba, Sikkim taekwondo player Rupen Pradhan and lawyer Jorgay Namka.

The SICA coaches, assistant coaches, physios, strength and conditioning coaches and team managers for the 2023-24 season, and those players and support staff who were selected for the NCA camps were presented letters of appreciation.

A 10 overs-a-side exhibition match was held between SICA XI and Kitam XI to mark the occasion.