By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 4: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) 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 fromOctober 8.
The MCA was represented by its President Naba Bhattacharjee, Honorary Secretary Gideon Kharkongor, Honorary Treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria and Apex Council Member 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.
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 said that the team would be able to do well for Meghalaya.