Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six indoor cricket academies across Northeast India, creating a high-performance ecosystem. The initiative aims to overcome climatic challenges, nurture grassroots talent, and strengthen India’s long-term sports development vision.
GANGTOK / NEW DELHI – In a major push to sports infrastructure in Northeast India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 28, 2026, virtually inaugurated six state-of-the-art Indoor Cricket Academies across the region. Developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the facilities are located in Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland).
This initiative marks the establishment of the region’s first integrated, high-performance cricketing ecosystem, aimed at unlocking the vast but underutilized sporting potential of the Northeast.
World-Class Facilities to Overcome Regional Challenges
Designed as all-weather, high-performance training centers, the academies directly address one of the region’s biggest barriers—prolonged monsoon seasons that disrupt outdoor training for nearly half the year.
#Sikkim: Marking a major boost to cricket infrastructure in #Nagaland, the Indoor Cricket Academy at Sovima was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister @narendramodi from Gangtok.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) April 28, 2026
Funded by the #BCCI, the state-of-the-art facility will provide modern indoor training facilities… pic.twitter.com/uUtP1whlUi
Each facility spans approximately 2,350 square meters and is equipped with:
o Three to four indoor practice pitches
o Advanced gymnasiums
o Temperature-controlled 25-meter swimming pools
o Administrative and recreational spaces
The architectural design, developed by Collage Design Pvt Ltd, incorporates local cultural and geographical inspirations. For instance, the Sikkim academy reflects the contours of the Kanchenjunga range, while the Arunachal Pradesh facility draws from the fluidity of regional river systems.
“These academies will ensure uninterrupted, year-round training and elevate the standard of cricket in the Northeast,” officials stated during the inauguration.
Imphal Facility Marks Milestone for Manipur Cricket
In Manipur, the Indoor Cricket Academy at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium in Imphal East represents a significant leap forward. Built at an estimated cost of ?20 crore, the facility has been hailed as a “historic milestone” by local cricket authorities.
The state’s recent rise in domestic cricket underscores the importance of such infrastructure. In 2025, Manipur reached the finals of five domestic tournaments under the Board of Control for Cricket in India and clinched two Under-19 titles with entirely local talent.
The BCCI has committed to covering maintenance and operational expenses for the first two years, ensuring accessibility for aspiring cricketers across the region.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
o Six academies across Northeast India
o ?20 crore investment in Imphal facility
o Year-round indoor training infrastructure
o Focus on grassroots and local talent
Aligning with Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
The project aligns with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where sports play a central role in youth empowerment and nation-building. The government has significantly increased investment in sports, with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports receiving a record ?3,794 crore allocation for FY 2025–26.
Flagship initiatives such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Fit India Movement are working in tandem to build a robust pipeline of talent from grassroots to elite levels.
Policy reforms under the National Sports Governance Act 2025 and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 aim to ensure transparency, athlete welfare, and structured pathways for international success—including India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Regional Synergy and Future Expansion
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Jay Shah, who played a key role in conceptualizing the project during his tenure as BCCI Secretary. He had earlier laid the foundation stones for the academies in May 2024.
Beyond cricket, the Northeast is witnessing a broader sports infrastructure push. The North East Sports Association has proposed 686 indoor sports halls across the region, including 70 in Manipur and 55 in Meghalaya, aimed at expanding access in rural and remote areas.
The establishment of these academies reflects a decisive shift toward decentralized, athlete-centric development. By bringing world-class facilities closer to aspiring players, the initiative removes geographical barriers and creates a level playing field.
“This grassroots-to-glory approach will help India emerge as a global sporting powerhouse,” Prime Minister Modi said during the event.
With scientific training infrastructure, institutional backing, and policy support converging, India is steadily progressing toward its goal of becoming a top-10 sporting nation by 2036 and a top-5 global sports power by 2047.
