SYANGJA: Construction of a cricket stadium in Syangja has begun in honor of cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, the former captain of the Nepali national cricket team.

The rural municipality has started construction of a stadium in Thaple of the same ward in honor of cricketer Lamichhane, who was born in Arjunchaupari Rural Municipality-5, Syangja.

The construction of the stadium has begun with the investment and leadership of the rural municipality office, with the help of local people, said Prakash Tiwari, the rural municipality chairperson. He said that the construction of the cricket field on the public pasture, which is located on the top of a hill but is flat, has started since the current fiscal year 2081/82.

“We have started building the stadium from the current fiscal year at the cost of the rural municipality and the labor of the locals,” he said. “Currently, the work of leveling the ground has been completed. We have stopped the work for the time being due to the rains. We will complete the work at a rapid pace after the rains end.”

This place is located at an altitude of 1907 meters above sea level. He said that the ground under construction has been named ‘Nineteen Seven Arena’. The ground is spread in a 45-meter circle from the center to all sides. The construction is being done in a way that meets the standards required for a national-level ground.

Work is being done to build a pitch on the field in consultation with district, state and central leaders and experienced cricketers. Chairman Tiwari believes that since cricketer Sandeep, who has succeeded in making his name and the country famous in the country and abroad, was born in this place, it will play an important role in producing new talents along with his honor.

“About half an hour away from the cricket ground under construction is Sirubari Village, which has established itself as the first community homestay in South Asia,” said Tiwari, the rural municipality chairman. “It seems that cricket and tourism can be taken forward by combining them in this area.”

With the completion of the cricket ground, preparations are underway to hold a national-level cricket tournament at this location.

The rural municipality chairman Tiwari believes that it will help in discovering and bringing out the new talents that have been gaining popularity among the youth in recent times. According to him, a separate place will be built for practice.