Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday met members of the Jharkhand cricket team, who scripted history by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, marking a landmark achievement for the state in domestic cricket.
During the interaction, team captain and international cricketer Ishan Kishan, along with the entire squad, symbolically handed over the winner’s trophy to the Chief Minister as part of the celebrations. Soren congratulated the players, support staff, and the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) for the historic triumph.
The felicitation ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s residential office in the presence of Minister Sudivya Kumar, MLA Kalpana Soren, and Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar. The Chief Minister honoured each player by draping them with shawls.
Ishan Kishan Shares Team’s Journey
Captain Ishan Kishan and other players shared their experiences and performances from the prestigious T20 tournament with the Chief Minister, reflecting on the challenges and milestones achieved during the campaign.
Calling the victory a moment of immense pride, Soren said Jharkhand had set a new benchmark in domestic cricket by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament.
“This is a major achievement for the entire state and a proud moment for all of us. Success at national-level competitions helps strengthen the sporting culture in Jharkhand,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that athletes from Jharkhand are excelling not only in cricket but also in sports such as hockey and archery, representing the state and the country at national and international levels.
Focus on Creating a Strong Sports Ecosystem
Emphasising the need to build a robust sports ecosystem, Soren said talented players must be given opportunities to progress through structured pathways.
He stressed that sports should be integrated at the school and college levels, ensuring young talent receives proper platforms to refine their skills. The state government, he assured, would extend all possible support to strengthen this ecosystem.
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Addressing JSCA officials, the Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role of sports associations in shaping athletes’ careers. He urged the association to explore opportunities for overseas training and competitive exposure, saying it would help players adapt to different conditions and enhance their performance.
He also expressed confidence that Jharkhand’s team would continue to perform strongly in upcoming tournaments and said efforts to further strengthen the squad must remain ongoing.
Revival of Traditional Sports
Soren observed that alongside popular sports like cricket, hockey, and football, traditional sports are also witnessing a revival. Many such disciplines are now being showcased at national and international platforms.
“If someone wants to build a future in sports today, many doors are open,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting sports and athletes. “Our goal is to make Jharkhand a state that presents a strong and competitive presence in the sporting world.”
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of organising sports competitions regularly across Jharkhand, from the panchayat to the state level.
Such initiatives, he said, not only give players opportunities to showcase their skills but also help identify emerging talent capable of bringing laurels to the state and the nation.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by JSCA President Ajay Nath Shahdeo, Vice President Sanjay Pandey, Secretary Saurabh Tiwary, Joint Secretary Shahbaz Nadeem, other association members, the Jharkhand cricket team, and support staff.
