SICA hosts 4th NECDC Achievers’ Nite at Gangtok

The 4th NECDC Achievers’ Nite was hosted by Sikkim Cricket Association in Gangtok on March 6, 2025, where the top-performing cricketers from the six NECDC member State, based on their performance in the 2024-25 BCCI domestic season, were honoured.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), who is also a member and former president of Sikkim Cricket Association, was the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by SLA Speaker M.N. Sherpa, Cabinet Ministers Sonam Lama, Raju Basent, N.B. Dahal, and SBS Managing Director Phurba Wangdi Bhutia. Executives of all State associations, NECDC members, award recipients were present at the event.

The event started with a welcome address by SICA President Tika Subba.

NECDC Co-Convener and Meghalaya Cricket Association president Nababrata Bhattacharjee highlighted NECDC’s journey since its formation in 2016.

The event was also addressed by Mamon Majmumdar, Member, Apex Council, BCCI.

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

• North East Player of the Season (Male) – Jonathan Rongsen (Nagaland)
• North East Player of the Season (Female) – Leezamit Lepcha (Sikkim)
• Emerging Player of the Season (Female) – Alice Thokchom (Manipur)
• Emerging Player of the Year (Male) – Anuj Chettri (Sikkim)
• U-15 Girls Best Batter – Alice Thokchom (Manipur)
• U-15 Girls Best Bowler – Bijiya Khundrakpam (Manipur)
• U-15 Girls Best Wicketkeeper – Langlen Ningthoujam (Manipur)
• U-16 Boys Best Batter – Aloto Sumi (Nagaland)
• U-16 Boys Best Bowler – Aloto Sumi (Nagaland)
• U-16 Boys Best Wicketkeeper – Md Sazid Ali (Sikkim)
• U-19 Women Best Batter – Lozen Ashfaque (Arunachal Pradesh)
• U-19 Women Best Bowler – Zothansangi (Mizoram)
• U-19 Women Best Wicketkeeper – Taniya Ningthoujam (Manipur)
• U-19 Men Best Batter – Lalramluahpuia Zote (Mizoram)
• U-19 Men Best Bowler – Johan Lalbiakkima (Mizoram)
• U-19 Men Best Wicketkeeper – Ningthoujam Thoiba Singh (Manipur)
• U-23 Women Best Batter – Nandika Kumari (Sikkim)
• U-23 Women Best Bowler – Leezamit Lepcha (Sikkim)
• U-23 Women Best Wicketkeeper – Nabam Martha (Arunachal Pradesh)
• U-23 Men Best Batter – Mughavi Sumi (Nagaland)
• U-23 Men Best Bowler – Tarun Sharma (Sikkim)
• U-23 Men Best Wicketkeeper – Yugandhar Singh (Nagaland)
• Senior Women Best Batter – Debasmita Dutta (Meghalaya)
• Senior Women Best Bowler – Zothansangi (Mizoram)
• Senior Women Best Wicketkeeper – Keisham Kalpana Devi (Manipur)
• Senior Men Best Batter – Jonathan Rongsen (Nagaland)
• Senior Men Best Bowler – Bishworjit Singh Konthoujam (Manipur)
• Senior Men Best Wicketkeeper – Arun Chettri (Sikkim)

The NECDC also felicitated the following individuals and teams:

• Debasmita Dutta (Meghalaya): For representing ‘Team C’ in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2024-25 and ‘Team A’ in the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy 2024-25.
• Kikam Bhutia (Sikkim): For being appointed as Fielding Coach of ‘Team C’ for the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2024-25 and ‘Team A’ for the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy 2024-25.
• Sheril Lepcha (Sikkim): For being appointed as Physio of ‘Team D’ for the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2024-25 and ‘Team B’ for the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy 2024-25.
• Nagaland Senior Men’s Team: For maintaining its status as an Elite Division team in the Ranji Trophy.
• Sikkim Senior Men’s Team: For recording a historic win in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 match against Rajasthan, becoming the first Northeastern side to beat an Elite team in the tournament.
• Meghalaya Under-23 Men’s Team: For maintaining its status as an Elite Division team in the Col CK Nayudu Trophy.
• Meghalaya Senior Men’s Team: For their historic achievement in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019, where they beat Mumbai by six wickets.

The Chief Minister, in his address, congratulated all the achievers and highlighted the significant role of NECDC in advancing cricket in the North East. He praised the Council for securing full membership for the six North Eastern states with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2018, which has allowed teams from the region to participate in national competitions.

The Chief Minister also shared his personal journey of supporting cricket in Sikkim, recalling his time as President of the Sikkim Cricket Association. He expressed gratitude to the BCCI for recognizing their efforts, which led to Sikkim’s affiliation with the board.

Notable victories, including Sikkim’s win over Rajasthan and Meghalaya’s victory over Mumbai, shows the region’s growing cricketing potential, he added.

The Chief Minister concluded by wishing all attendees a pleasant stay in Sikkim, welcoming them to the beautiful Himalayan state.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister was felicitated by North East Cultural Development Council for his contribution to the growth of cricket and sports in general in the state. The Chief Minister’s efforts in development a sports-friendly environment and supporting athletes in various disciplines have been crucial in uplifting the sporting spirit in Sikkim.

The event also showcased Sikkim’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through vibrant dance performances, representing the different ethnic communities that make up the state’s unique cultural fabric.

The awards function was followed by the 10th NECDC Conclave.