Speaking at the inaugural function, Mitra lauded the Meghalaya Cricket Association for setting up the academy and said the the MCA was the sole organisation in the North East which was awarded Rs one crore grant from the BCCI for the development of cricket.
Meghalaya was the runners up in the U-19 and U-22 championship for the BCCI associate members held recently. However, the players did not fare well in the U-16 level.
Sports and Youth Affairs Commissioner and Secretary D P Wahlang said the physical structure of tribal youths here is poised for playing cricket.
"With an average height less than 6 feet, we cannot compete in other disciplines like basketball, volleyball or football," Wahlang said.
Leader of Opposition and MCA president Conrad K Sangma, said the academy, having a ground, a gymnasium and other facilities would further boost the popularity and development of the game in the state.
The Academy has more than 100 children, in the age group of 9-12, in its first batch and six coaches, academy director Gideon Kharkongor said.
