The three member Sub-Committee of JKCA appointed by the BCCI paid a two-day visit to Leh, Ladakh. It would be pertinent to mention that Honourable High Court in its judgement had desired that JKCA should extend its reach to Ladakh as well and ensure that cricketing facilities and infrastructure are made available to the youth of this remote area as well. The Sub-Committe comprising Brig Anil Gupta (retd), Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi and International Cricketer Mithun Manhas apart from interacting with the various stakeholders also physically visited the existing facilities and the proposed cricket stadium at Leh.
During its meeting with the representatives of Leh District Cricket Association led by their President Padma Tamcho it emerged that despite the constraints of height and weather, Cricket was the most popular game among the youth. On enquiry by Brig Anil Gupta, if the local girls also played cricket, it emerged the game was popular among them as well. Sunil Sethi asked the association reps to forward to JKCA the names of talented cricketers both boys and girls so that their skills can further be honed. Mithun Manhas recommended that local level tournaments must be conducted by the Association to keep the interest of the youth alive. Association members presented a memorandum in which it was requested to organise tournaments for various age groups and construct one proper cricket ground at Leh.
The Sub-Committe also met Advocate Tashi Gyalson, CEC LAHDC, Leh who also projected the requirement of constructing an exclusive cricket stadium at Leh. Accompanied by the CEC, the Sub-Committe later visited the proposed site of the stadium where it also interacted with Sh Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, IAS DC Leh, Secretary Sports and other officials of Sports Department. Mithun Manhas provided useful tips about development of the pitch and the ground. Sunil Sethi suggested of creating adequate parking facilities as well. Brig Gupta asked the officials to prepare a proper draft project report along with sketch of the ground for vetting before final decision to submit the same to BCCI is taken.
The Sub-Committe will soon be visiting Kargil also.
Brig Anil Gupta (retd)
Member-Administration
JKCA
PS pic with members of Leh District Cricket Association and another with CEC, Leh are attached.