Yuksom Capitals win SICA Women’s Club Tournament
The SICA Women’s Club Tournament ended on a successful note on Wednesday after an action-packed couple of weeks.
The T20 tournament organised by Sikkim Cricket Association had participation of eight teams, namely, Aakraman Sporting Club, Cricket Association of Tathangchen, Denzong Cricket Club, HRCC Namchi, Irises Cricket Club, Pakyong District Women’s Club and Yuksom Capitals.
The teams divided into two groups played a minimum of six matches each. A total of 24 matches took place in the group stage, followed by semi-finals and the final.
Yuksom Capitals defeated Aakraman Sporting Club by eight wickets to win their maiden SICA women’s title.
After opting to bat first, Aakraman SC scored 57 for the loss of 10 wickets in 19.1 overs. Tabita Subba was the top scorer for Aakraman with 18 runs. Sonia Rai was the most successful Yuksom Capitals bowler with 4-10 in 4 overs.
Yuksom Capitals chased the target inside 10 overs losing two wickets with Tshering Ongmu Lepcha scoring an unbeaten 30.
The Sikkim’s only women’s cricket tournament had commenced on April 1. All matches took place at the Sikkim Cricket Ground, at Mining.
The final had Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya as the chief guest, State sports secretary Raju Basnet, Rangpo SDM Sujata Subba and Rangpo SDPO L.B. Chettri. Also present were other invited guests, representatives of district cricket committees and SICA members.
The tournament was a success with top women cricketers of the State showcasing their skills and talent.
At the end of the match, the Governor distributed prizes.
The winners received a trophy and a cheque of Rs. 1 lakh, while the runners-up received a trophy and Rs. 50,000.
Likewise, mementos and certificates were presented to umpires, match referees, scorers, video analysts, managers, coaches, physios, commentator and others in involved in the smooth conduct of the tournament.
Ahead of the presentation ceremony, the Governor addressed the gathering. In his address, the Governor lauded Sikkim Cricket Association for promoting cricket among women in the State and added that sport is another avenue to empower women.
Expressing his happiness to be part of the SICA Women’s Club Tournament final, the Governor said the tournament embodied the commitment of SICA and its pursuit of the growth of cricket in the State.
The Governor said his heart swelled with pride to see participation of Sikkimese girls in cricket and making a mark in a sport which was hitherto dominated by men.
He said that he was at the Sikkim Cricket Ground today to celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of the women cricketers of the State.
The Governor congratulated SICA for all the achievements it and its players have made so far. He said that with the dedicated effort of SICA, Sikkim player are making a good progress.
The Governor exhorted SICA to spread cricket to every nook and corner of the State.
Sikkim has infinite possibilities in the field of sports and there is a need to identify the talents among the youth here and provide them a platform, he added.
The Governor also lauded Tshering Ongmu Lepcha, the captain of Yuksom Capitals, for her resilience and mental fortitude today.
Few hours before the start of the match, Tshering Ongmu got to know the disheartening news of her father passing away. Ongmu had the option of not playing after her father’s death but the team person that she is, she didn’t want to leave her team in the lurch. She played a captain’s innings today to guide Yuksom Capitals to maiden SICA women’s title.
She was presented ‘Rajyapal Vishesh Pratibha Samman’ by the Governor for her brilliant performance in the final today.
Likewise, ‘Rajyapal Pratibha Samman’ was presented to Player of the Match Sonia Rai (Yuksom Capitals), Player of the Tournament Samayita Roy Prodhan (Alpine SC), Highest Scorer Samayita Roy Prodhan (Alpine SC)
Highest Wicket Taker Sonia Rai (Yuksom Capitals), Emerging Player of the Tournament Soyta Rizal (Pakyong DWC) and Best Wicket-Keeper Peninnah Subba (Irises Cricket Club)