'Shining symbol of Kerala cricket'; CM Pinarayi Vijayan gifts golden bat to Sanju Samson

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the state-of-the-art KCA cricket ground in Mangalapuram as a sign of sports progressing in Kerala. Pinarayi Vijayan was speaking after inaugurating the KCA Mangalapuram cricket ground, built at an investment of Rs 45 crore. The chief minister said that the efficient intervention of the Kerala Cricket Association has made Kerala the best state for cricket in India today.

"The KCA aimed to build its own cricket grounds in every district. However, the existing laws were an obstacle to land acquisition. KCA was able to set up grounds in various places today as part of the relaxations granted to it, with the idea that laws should not hinder the development of sports in the state. The number of people taking cricket seriously is increasing today, and this should be encouraged," said CM Pinarayi Vijayan.

At the ceremony, the Chief Minister presented the Golden Bat to Sanju Samson, who played a crucial role in India's victory in the T20 World Cup. The Chief Minister said that Sanju's victory mantra is determination and presence of mind, and termed the youngster a shining symbol of Kerala cricket. After receiving the gift, Sanju said that the new ground will be a great asset for the new generation.

The construction of the State Cricket Academy and Indoor Cricket Training Centre was inaugurated by Kadakampally Surendran MLA.

The function, presided over by KCA President Adv. Sreejith V. Nair, was attended by Kadakampally Surendran MLA, Mangalapuram Panchayat President Srichand S, Panchayat Member Jeena Babu, KCA Secretary Vinod S. Kumar, CEO Minu Chidambaram, Trivandrum District Cricket Association President Adv. K.K. Rajeev, Secretary Adv. Rajith Rajendran and others.