Malkangiri, June 18: : The long-cherished dream of cricketers in Malkangiri district is set to come true. Malkangiri MLA Narsingh Madkami met the State Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Higher Education, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, and submitted a written request to convert the proposed block-level stadium at Mundaguda in Malkangiri block into a dedicated cricket ground.
According to the memorandum, administrative approval has already been granted for the construction of a multi-sports stadium in Malkangiri block with an estimated budget of ₹10–16 crore, as per the Sports and Youth Services Department’s letter No. 6. However, since a multi-sports stadium already exists in the block, he proposed that the new project be developed as a “cricket hub” keeping in view the needs of the district.
He suggested including facilities such as a dedicated cricket pitch, net practice area, indoor stadium, and gymnasium. Hundreds of players aged 7 to 22 from various villages and urban areas of the district are practicing daily with great dedication. However, there is a lack of modern pitch facilities, net practice infrastructure, gym, and proper training support.
If a cricket stadium is developed, local players will be able to showcase their talent at the state and national levels. MLA Madkami stated that the enthusiasm for cricket among the youth of Malkangiri is remarkable. He added that developing this project as a cricket facility would help talented players from the district gain recognition and would place Malkangiri on the sports map of the state.
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