Gangtok: Lobzang G. Tenzing, India Under-19 team manager and Sikkim Cricket Association (SCA) president, returned to a rousing welcome on Sunday after India beat England by four wickets to win the record-extending fifth ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.
The chairman of the Sikkim Cricket was the duty manager for the Indian U19 team from 14 January in the tournament. He served as the manager prior to the U19 Asia Cup World Cup in UAE which was also won by India.
Tenzing called his appointment as manager a reflection of the BCCI’s unwavering support for the northeastern states and recalled how BCCI secretary Jay Shah called him “happiness manager.”
Speak with EastMojo, Lobzang G Tenzing told: “For someone like me, who has been an administrator for a long time, it was a challenging job to lead a young team. I am used to giving orders and making policy and working on funds and infrastructure. But the job of a manager requires practical experience and I have always maintained that managers are the eyes and ears of the board.”
“As a cricket manager and coming from the North East, I never thought I would be leading the Indian cricket team. It was a completely new experience for me. My deepest respect goes to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah for trusting me, and the family in the Northeast, for giving me this tremendous responsibility and honor,” Tenzing said.
Tenzing was received at Pakyong airport by SICA officials and members, local cricketers and benefactors. “There were many challenges in the West Indies with poor infrastructure and a lethargic response from local units. WiFi, laundry, food made us go round and round. In the end, the team was hit by Covid-19 and 4 more players had to be chased from India. At one point, one team was in three different locations. Despite the Covid-19 upheaval and many other challenges, the players remained strong and never wavered. The support staff was excellent,” he said.
Speaking about his involvement with the team, Tenzing said: “As a management team we don’t concern ourselves with the coaching or playing aspects of the game. We just give them a comfortable environment with logistical and financial support and link to signpost for directions. I also acted the media together with the BCCIs in charge.”
He said he judged the Indian World Cup winning team: “We weren’t the strongest team at the start of the tournament. But as the tournament went on, the team got better. We have a brilliant set of young players and I’m sure some of them will achieve great success in senior men’s cricket.”
He added that the fact that he became the manager of the Indian cricket team was proof that hard work and sincerity pay off. “The more you work the more respect you get from the BCCI and if you are sincere they will always hold you in high esteem. How else would a national team have a manager from the Northeast? Every time I leave Sikkim I make sure to communicate in advance with cricket authorities in northeastern states and relay our concerns to the BCCI†
On his arrival, SICA also introduced the newly established Pakyong district ad hoc district cricket committee. When asked how Sikkimese players can play in the Indian U19 team, Tenzing said: “Our Sikkimese Under-19 is a good side. Our youngsters are very fortunate to be guided by DR Atul Gaikwad, a very experienced coach who has helped us with an honorary title helps. We provide world-class facilities and more coming soon. The platform is ready and now the Sikkimese players should be creating dreams that none of us could imagine.”
Of no Sikkim player who has ever been auctioned in the Indian Premier League, the president of the Sikkim Cricket Association shared: “One franchise must choose or recommend. They (players) must play well in domestic tournaments.”
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