Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 2
One of Nagaland’s most well known sports personality, cricketer Hokaito Zhimomi is now shifting focus to develop grass-roots cricket in the state. The Ranji player, who was also a member of the extended IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders in 2009, has opened a cricket coaching academy in Dimapur.
The academy – Hokaito Zhimomi Cricket Coaching Centre was inaugurated on July 2 at Neingulie Memorial High School, near Khermahal, complete with practice nets and support staff. The academy is starting with 25 students with focus on under-19 players; Zhimomi further informing that the age bar would be increased to 23 years.
At nominal admission fees, the academy will run 3 days a week – Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Currently playing for Assam in the Ranji Trophy, Zhimomi (30 years) started his career with junior and club cricket in West Bengal playing for Dalhousie Athletic Club, Kolkata. He is the only cricketer from Nagaland to play at the top league of the Indian domestic cricket circuit. A right-handed batsman, who bowls left arm medium, Zhimomi made his first-class debut in 2012 playing for Assam.
General Secretary of the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), Abu Metha who was at the inaugural programme described the opening of the academy as “a significant day and a significant step in the journey of cricket in Nagaland.”
Describing Zhimomi as a “live wire” of a personality, Metha said that his dogged determination and confidence, notwithstanding the sorry condition of cricketing infrastructure in Nagaland when he started out, has brought him to a level where no other Naga player has reached. “He struggled more than others. He became a Ranji player on merit and that too in another state,” Metha remarked.
While pointing out the tremendous scope in cricket as a player in India, he underscored India’s dominance in world cricket today both in terms of resources and talent. “And in this we (Nagaland) are a part too.”
Assuring the NCA’s help towards the growth of the academy, Metha further called upon parents to support the initiative.
