A new chapter is about to be added to North Bengal’s sporting map. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that a state-of-the-art stadium will be built in honour of Richa Ghosh, India’s world champion cricketer from Siliguri. The announcement was made on Monday during an administrative meeting at Uttarkanya, Siliguri.
বিশ্বজয়ী রিচার জন্য উত্তরবঙ্গকে ‘বিরাট’ উপহার মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর
The modern sports complex will be constructed on 27 acres of land at Chandmoni Tea Estate. The Richa Ghosh Stadium, to be built under the initiative of the state government, is expected to become a milestone in the sports infrastructure of North Bengal, experts say.
On November 2, in Mumbai, the Indian women’s cricket team created history by winning the World Cup for the first time, defeating South Africa under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur. One of the key members of that victorious squad was Siliguri’s own Richa Ghosh. Her outstanding performance captured the nation’s attention and filled Bengal with pride.
Following that triumph, the state government had already felicitated Richa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The Chief Minister herself was present at the ceremony, where Richa was honoured with the ‘Banga Bhushan’ award and was also appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the West Bengal Police.
At Monday’s meeting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “There is no shortage of talent in North Bengal — only a shortage of opportunity. Just as Richa has made us proud by conquering the world, we want many more Richas to emerge from North Bengal. That is the purpose behind this decision.”
The new stadium will be built near Siliguri City Centre, in the Chandmoni Township area, where an industrial hub is already developing. The proposed complex will feature an international-standard pitch, practice arenas, indoor nets, an academy, and training facilities.
The announcement has sparked celebrations across the sports fraternity of North Bengal. Richa Ghosh and her family have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister. Richa’s father said, “This is not just our family’s pride, but a proud moment for all of North Bengal. We are deeply grateful to the Chief Minister.”