The Meghalaya Cricket Association held a warm send-off for the state team that will take part in the BCCI’s Women’s U-19 One Day Trophy in Surat from 8 October.
The MCA was represented by its President Shri Naba Bhattacharjee, Honorary Secretary Shri Gideon Kharkongor, Honorary Treasurer Shri Dhrubajyoti Thakuria and Apex Council Member Shri Peter Macdonald Kharsawian.
The squad of 15 cricketers and support staff were given inspiring words as they set off for the tournament. The MCA also named the captain and vice-captain of the team – Ankita Sharma and Dubleen Nengnong respectively. These two had performed exceptionally well at the recent MCA U-19 Girls’ Inter District Cricket Tournament. Indeed, all the girls in the state team were largely chosen based on their performance in the grassroots tournament.
There are some big teams in Meghalaya’s group, such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra but Bhattacharjee encouraged the young women not to be swayed by the name of the team alone.
“Once discipline and personal attitude are good, everything will fall in place. Do not suffer from an inferiority complex. We are no less than any other state,” he said.
Kharkongor also emphasised discipline as well as the importance of fitness.
“You are the future of Meghalaya cricket as you’re all under 19. There is a long way to go for you if you maintain your standard. It would be the happiest moment for us if we see one or two of you representing the country. That should be your aim as you go for this tournament,” he said, while stating, like Bhattacharjee, that skill-wise the Meghalaya team is as good as any but now is the time to demonstrate temperament combined with application of thought.
Head coach Ranjana Yadav has been impressed with her young charges since joining them for the preparatory camp on 25 September, describing them as “very talented”. Ankita and Dubleen also spoke about the responsibility given to them and hoped that the team would be able to do well for Meghalaya.
Meghalaya squad: Dianchidora N Sangma, Dubleen D Nengnong, Indariakor Kharwanniang, Fennysha Nongrum, Ankita Sharma, Kambesa Agitok, Abiezer Kharsyiem, Janicka R Marak, Monica Singh, Emisakani Warjri, Rikmanchi M Sangma, Jayshree Singh, Awesa G Momin, Jaylynn R Marak, Natasha Rabha
Standbys: Julitha Marak, Sistilin Ryntathiang, Banrikmen Lyngdoh, Marme M Sangma
Support staff: Ranjana Yadav (head coach), Marty Mustafa (assistant coach), Helyna D Sangma (trainer), Lucky Mary Marbaniang (physio), Baiahun Mylliemngap (manager)
Meghalaya fixtures:
vs Vidarbha, 8 October
vs Pondicherry, 10 October
vs Manipur, 12 October
vs Tamil Nadu, 14 October
vs Maharashtra, 16 October
