In a proud moment for Assam and Hojai district, three teenage girls from the small town of Lanka have made their mark in cricket by representing the Assam Under-14 girls’ cricket team at the national level. Their journey, built on hard work and discipline, has brought joy and recognition to their families, their town, and the entire district. Dipanjali Sahu, Koushalya Sahu and Rittika Malakar, all residents of Shrimanta Shankardev Nagar in Lanka, have shown that talent can rise even from places with limited facilities. Their selection to the state team is being seen as a major achievement for Hojai, which is still developing its sports infrastructure.
Among the three, Koushalya Sahu reached a special milestone when she was appointed captain of the Assam Under-14 girls’ cricket team. This is the first time a girl from the district has led the state team at this level. Her calm approach and disciplined play earned her the responsibility of leading the side, making the moment historic for Lanka and Hojai. Under Koushalya’s leadership, the Assam team, with Dipanjali and Rittika as key members, played matches in different parts of the country. The team put up a strong performance and drew praise for its teamwork and fighting spirit, reflecting the steady growth of girls’ cricket in Assam.
The success of the three girls becomes even more meaningful when seen against the challenges they faced. With limited training facilities and resources in the district, their progress depended largely on self-motivation and local support. An important role in their development was played by young coach Kangkan Kumar Das, whose regular guidance and commitment helped shape their skills at the grassroots level. Despite obstacles, the trio stayed focused on their game. Their discipline, long practice hours and love for cricket helped them move forward and earn state-level recognition.