Senapati: The Maram Battalion of Assam Rifles successfully organized an enthralling district-level T20 cricket tournament in Senapati district of Manipur. The tournament commenced on 28th February 2024 and marked a significant and novel event in the picturesque hill district of Senapati towards promoting the game of cricket.
A total of eight spirited teams, including 16 AR, Crazy Roamers from Maram, Persian Cricket Team from KPI, Unique Guns from Senapati, Poumei Cricket Club from Senapati, The Boyz Cricket Club from KPI, SDCA from Senapati, and Katomei Cricket Club from Katomei, showcased their exceptional performance throughout the engaging league round held from 28th February to 6th March 2024.
The intensity peaked as Crazy Roamers, Unique Guns, SDCA and 16 AR emerged as the deserving semi-finalists, leading to thrilling semi-final matches on 8th March 2024. Ultimately, 16 AR and Crazy Roamers secured their spots in the finals.
In a nail-biting final showdown on 9th March 2024, 16 AR won the toss and chose to bat first, putting up a commendable performance of scoring 201 runs in 20 overs with loss of 05 wickets. Rifleman Prianshu Bharti played an exceptional knock of 108 runs off 73 balls. Despite their valiant effort, Crazy Roamers fell short, managing 196 runs off 5 wickets and 16 AR secured a triumphant victory by 05 runs in a nail biting & thrilling match.
Celebrating outstanding performances, Riflemen Prianshu Bharti of 16 Assam Rifles was awarded the prestigious title of “Man of the Series and Man of the Match” while Mr Ashu of Crazy Roamers exhibited bowling excellence therby getting distinction of “Best Bowler.” Moreover, the remarkable batting display by Mr Baling of Crazy Roamers led to his well-deserved recognition as the “Best Batsman of the tournament”.
The tournament’s grand finale was indeed a thrilling cricket match alongwith a cultural extravaganza of musical performances by Namrata Rai and the Jazz band of Maram Battalion.
Colonel Aditya Deo, Commandant of Maram Battalion, expressed his delight in promoting cricket in the hill districts of Manipur, emphasizing the importance of engaging the youth in sports. He reiterated that such initiatives provide aspiring cricket players with a platform to showcase their talent. He also re-iterated that Assam Rifles aim’s to harness the unlimited potential of youth of Manipur and further increase their contributions in sports activities in India. Emphasizing the significance of this event, the Maram battalion and SDCA look to inspire and encourage the youth to embrace cricket as a sport and as a pathway to enter prestigious tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL). This tournament has presented a golden opportunity for young cricket enthusiasts to showcase their talent and passion for the game.
Through this tournament, Assam Rifles and the Senapati District Cricket Association are fostering a spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie and healthy competition amongst participants. This event will act as a medium to foster sense of community and create a platform for young talent to shine. Eventually the terminal objective remains to unite people through medium of sports in hill districts in present turbulent situation of Manipur.
