Dibrugarh: The reconstructed pavilion at Jalan Outdoor Stadium in Dibrugarh was inaugurated on Saturday, marking a boost to the district’s sports infrastructure.
The pavilion has been rebuilt through the efforts of the Dibrugarh District Sports Association (DDSA), with financial and other support from Oil India Limited.
Union Minister and Assam Olympic Association president Sarbananda Sonowal and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia jointly inaugurated the facility.
Speaking at the event, Saikia expressed hope that Dibrugarh could emerge as Assam’s second international cricket venue. He told the media that the city had the potential to host international matches and said the possibility of developing an international cricket stadium there could be explored in the coming years, with support from the state government and public sector undertakings such as Oil India Limited and ONGC.
Saikia also indicated that Dibrugarh could host a few Ranji Trophy matches in January next year.
Highlighting the region’s emerging cricketing talent, the BCCI secretary named promising players Sunil Lachit and Mukhtar, expressing confidence in their future prospects. He said he hoped to see the young cricketers represent India in the national team’s blue jersey.
Sonowal, meanwhile, recalled his association with Jalan Outdoor Stadium and shared memories of playing cricket at the venue. He also greeted the dignitaries and accomplished sportspersons who attended the inauguration.
Among those present were Assam Cricket Association president Taranga Gogoi, Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, Oil India Limited officials Ankur Baruah, Sanjay Verma and Anupam Deka, Assam Tourism Development Corporation chairman Rituparna Barua, APL chairman Bikul Deka, and several other dignitaries and sports personalities.
The reconstructed pavilion is expected to provide improved facilities for players and spectators while making it easier to organise sporting competitions and other events at the stadium.
The initiative, led by DDSA with support from Oil India Limited, is being seen as a step towards strengthening Dibrugarh’s sporting infrastructure and encouraging young athletes.
Saikia’s remarks have also fuelled hopes that Dibrugarh could eventually host international cricket matches. If realised, such a development could enhance the city’s sporting profile and create more opportunities for emerging cricketers from Upper Assam.