XLRED Cricket Academy launched in Kohima

Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), General Secretary Hyunilo Anilo Khing with others during the launch of the XLRED Cricket Academy in Kohima on February 6. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News 
February 6 | Kohima 

XLRED Cricket Academy, a premiere Cricket academy for the state capital and the second in the state was inaugurated today at St. Mary Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Kohima by Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), General Secretary Hyunilo Anilo Khing. 

While addressing an attendance here, he expounded the importance of infrastructure and facility support which the state is now well equipped with; adding that the association now boasts of full-fledged cricketing international size standard ground, 90-bedded academy, and facilities to host all BCCI matches, host players in the academy among others. 

Adding to it, he said, the state has come a long way with challenges and struggles over the years, however is now setting off in the right direction. Khing meanwhile informed that any member of the NCA can be approached at any time for help and advice. And with the impetus to ‘take the game to the people,’ Khing also added that the association has decided to built, construct and practice pitches in all the district headquarters which is being pursued in phase-wise. 

“Cricket requires 101% of dedication, focus, discipline,” he noted while stating that one needs to balance routine and dedicate upon sheer discipline. The game is to be played by players not infrastructure, he further challenged those present. He was sharing concerns that despite such facilities, “the state lacks Naga players,” adding that the state is receiving platforms to participate at the national level for which the academy can produce state players. 

Atha C Angami, President Kohima District Cricket Association stated that Cricket, which has high status in the country, has now enhanced payments for players representing even the state team. He also called the attention of students, both boys and girls who can participate in categories from under-15-19 while attending to their studies. He hoped that the academy will open a platform to bring up players to represent the state in different categories. The KDCA president will be a visiting coach at the academy.

Proprietor Kechesin Keppen while introducing the academy said, XLRED is a self-made acronym which stands for ‘Acceleration’, the last three letters RED signifying ‘Love, Passion, Power and Determination.’ 

Envisioning to offer professional coaching with facilities and equipments for young sportspersons to reach maximum potentials, he added that it looks towards providing an environment for players to present every trait of a true sportsperson. 

The academy will provide XLRED CC uniforms, netted batting cage, swinging ball net practice, cutting edge bowling machine, bowling speed test radar, well-protected environment floodlight, grass pitch and coir pitch, and one on one coaching. Further, the programme at the academy will be inclusive of net practices, bowling machine practice, game situation reading practice, training with professional manuals, weekly/ monthly friendly matches, participating in tournaments, trails for selections, cricket camps and exposure tour.  

The coaching will commence next week and interested candidates can contact 9366570646 or 9774256851 for admission. 

The programme was chaired by Runosin Keppen and Fr Jaison CJ, Principal, St. Mary Cathedral Higher Secondary School Kohima.