By The Editor
Quite a good number of our young boys and girls are gifted and talented in sports and games who have made names for themselves and earned reputation outside the state as well. Recently the National Cricket Academy (NCA) of the BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) has selected four players from the Meghalaya Cricket Association to attend a Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) camp in Guwahati from next month .These players are Jarret Medonlang Wanniang of Christian Academy,Riatsamthiah; Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria of B.K.Bajoria, Boyce Road; Angkit Tamang of Kendriya Vidyalaya, NEHU (North Eastern Hill University),Umshing Mawkynroh and Rudra Singh Rathore of St. Xavier’s Secondary School, Polo all from Shillong. Total number of young talents selected from across the country is 25 and they have been chosen basing on their performance during the recently- concluded U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy held in Baroda, Gujarat during December 1-23.
Cricket is one of the most popular games in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In recent years the game is being picked up by Kenya, Zimbabwe, the United States, Canada and even Afghanistan. The name “cricket” probably comes from an early word that meant “stick” or “bat.” During its initial stage the game was played for five days continuously called test cricket and only the rich and well-to-do could afford to play. Gradually it became a one-day tournament of 50 overs which was soon further reduced to three-hour game of only 20 overs. In earlier days the local tribals did not take any interest at all in the game even calling it as non-tribal game. However because of growing popularity due to TV media it soon attracted attention and interest of the youths which in no time began to spread to every nook and corner of the state. Consequently tournaments have been held at the club level as well as Inter District level and within no time at all our young talents began to shine bringing laurels and glory to the state.
The NCA is opening facilities and opportunities for developing young cricketeers who are greatly interested in the game and having potentiality to repre-sent the Indian cricket team. It also looks after the injured and those who are ill. NCA was the outcome of the devotion and dedication of former BCCI President Raj Singh Dungarpur. In 2014, BCCI collaborated with both Cricket Australia and England Cricket Board to get experts for necessary assistance to be up-to-date. In the new plan the NCA has a tie-up with the MRF Pace Foundation to train fast bowlers from across the country. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman is current director of NCA. Given opportunities young local talents will surely improve and gradually excel.