Assam CM inaugurates new ACA cricket stadium in Dima Hasao

Haflong: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly completed Assam Cricket Association’s cricket stadium at the Umrongso Golf Course in Dima Hasao district on Friday afternoon, followed by the inauguration of the Sengya Tularam Pavilion within the stadium premises.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Assam’s Minister for Sports, Nandita Gorlosa, NC Hills Autonomous Council CEM Debolal Gorlosa, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, and ACCA president Taranga Gogoi, among other dignitaries.

Spread over 30 bighas, the land was allotted by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council to the Assam Cricket Association in 2021.

Constructed by the Assam Cricket Association at a cost of Rs 11 crore and supported by the NCHAC, the venue offers gallery seating for approximately 15,000 spectators and features five dedicated practice pitches, making it suitable for both intensive training and major competitive fixtures.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that a match featuring national-level star players will be organised at the stadium to encourage the youth.

He also directed the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) to install floodlights at the stadium to facilitate hosting of international cricket matches.

Adjacent to the cricket stadium, a football stadium is being constructed under an NCHAC project.

The Chief Minister also announced a synthetic running track for the football stadium, which will be funded by the state government.

With the addition of the new stadium, the Chief Minister expressed hope that talented sportspersons will emerge from the district in the coming years.

Unlike other playgrounds, the stadium will not have concrete galleries or walls but is designed with a focus on environmental conservation.

The stadium will be surrounded by trees and natural greenery so that spectators can enjoy shade while watching matches, similar to stadiums in Western countries, while also appreciating the natural surroundings.

Located in the midst of the NEEPCO water reservoir on the southern side of the Umrangso Golf Course, the stadium has proper cricket infrastructure, including a pavilion, turf pitches, and practice areas, and will be capable of hosting BCCI, ACA, and District Sports Association–approved matches in the near future.