Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially opened the newly constructed Assam Cricket Association (ACA) stadium in the picturesque town of Umrangsho, located in the Dima Hasao district, on Friday. The pavilion has been named the Sengya Tularam Pavilion.
A Scenic Sporting Venue for Cricket and Beyond
Built with an investment of Rs 11 crore, the stadium is set against the stunning natural backdrop of Umrangsho. Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that this scenic setting would significantly enhance the experience for players and spectators during cricket matches. He announced that the venue is expected to host Ranji Trophy and exhibition games starting next year.
To maximize its utility, the CM has already requested the ACA and the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) to install floodlights, which would enable the stadium to conduct night matches. In a move to create a multi-sport hub, construction of a football stadium alongside the cricket ground is already underway. This adjacent facility will also feature a synthetic track to aid in the training of young athletes.
Driving Tourism and Economic Growth
Beyond sports, the Chief Minister envisions the stadium as a catalyst for transforming Umrangsho into a popular tourist destination. He urged the DHAC to proactively develop more homestays to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors. "While we will construct a hotel in the coming years, I encourage the council to develop more homestays. This will boost local incomes and raise awareness about preventing pollution," Sarma stated.
He emphasized that this integrated approach would not only showcase the region's beauty but also create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local community.
Creating Career Pathways Through Sports
CM Sarma strongly underscored the role of sports infrastructure in opening up career opportunities for the youth. He cited that over 100 young men and women from Dima Hasao have secured jobs in the Assam Police this year alone.
He called upon the district's youth to utilize the new stadium for rigorous training. "I urge the youth to use this stadium to train, so that more can qualify for positions in the police and army, while also excelling as athletes," he said. The CM expressed confidence that with a sustained commitment to building a strong cricketing ecosystem, a new generation of cricket stars could emerge from Dima Hasao within the next five to 10 years.
He affirmed that platforms for youth development would be provided through the collaborative efforts of the ACA, DHAC, and local sports associations.
