THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec. 19: Members of the Jharkhand cricket team, who created history by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, met Chief Minister Hemant Soren today. Congratulating the players on their landmark achievement, the Chief Minister said the entire state was proud of their success.
“This victory for Jharkhand in domestic cricket is a major achievement. The whole state shares this pride,” the Chief Minister said while extending his best wishes to the team.
Trophy Presented to the Chief Minister
During the meeting, team captain and international cricketer Ishan Kishan, along with other players, symbolically presented the winning trophy to the Chief Minister. The occasion was attended by Minister Sudivya Kumar, MLA Kalpana Soren, and Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar at the Chief Minister’s residential office.
The Chief Minister honoured all the players by draping them with shawls and congratulated the players, support staff, and the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) for their collective effort. The players, including Ishan Kishan, shared their experiences and performances from the prestigious tournament during the interaction.
Jharkhand Sets a New Record in Domestic Cricket
The Chief Minister said that Jharkhand’s victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament marked a new chapter in the state’s sporting history. He described it as a proud moment that would encourage the growth of sports across Jharkhand.
He noted that players from the state are now making their mark at both national and international levels in sports such as cricket, hockey, and archery, bringing recognition not only to Jharkhand but also to the country.
Focus on Building a Strong Sports Ecosystem
Emphasising the importance of long-term planning, the Chief Minister said a strong sports ecosystem must be developed in Jharkhand to allow talented players to flourish.
“A strong beginning should be made by promoting sports at the school and college levels,” he said, adding that young players need proper platforms and opportunities to improve their skills. The state government, he assured, would extend all possible support in this direction.
Need for Exposure and Training Abroad
The Chief Minister highlighted the role of sports associations in nurturing talent and advised the JSCA to take initiatives that would allow players to train and compete abroad. Exposure to different playing conditions, he said, would help players gain valuable experience and further improve their performance.
He also stressed the need to continuously strengthen the Jharkhand cricket team so that it can maintain excellence and deliver outstanding performances in future tournaments.
Revival of Traditional Sports
Alongside popular sports such as cricket, hockey, and football, the Chief Minister observed that traditional sports are also making a comeback in a new form. With national and international competitions being organised for these games, he said, new opportunities are opening up for those aspiring to build careers in sports.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said, “Jharkhand must be developed into a state that can stake a strong and powerful claim in the world of sports.” He assured that the government would continue to provide full support to athletes and sports development initiatives across the state.
