Shillong, Apr 24: When 14-year-old Aniesha Arengh recently picked up seven wickets in a single match at the ongoing 2nd North East Rising Cup (Girls’ U-15), it was more than just a standout performance, it raised a larger question about how much sporting talent remains hidden in Meghalaya’s interior regions.
Representing the state at the Under-15 level, Aniesha’s performance against Sikkim has put her in the spotlight. But her journey to that moment reflects a system where access, rather than ability, often decides who gets noticed.
She comes from the remote village of Karkutta in North Garo Hills, a village with almost no cricket infrastructure. Like many others in similar areas, she began playing informally on uneven ground, with limited equipment and little exposure to proper coaching.
Her entry into structured cricket came only when coach Suraj Rabha from Mendipathar noticed her talent and raw potential during a visit to the area, which is little over 37 kms away from Mendipathar.
Recognising her potential, he facilitated her participation in trials for the BCCI Under-15 junior women’s cricket circuit. Another person to provide her assistance during this time was Sengnap Momin, President of the North Garo Hills District Cricket Association (NGHDCA), who ensured she had access to basic cricketing gear. Against all odds, Aniesha earned a spot to represent the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) in the 2025 Under-15 Junior Women BCCI matches.
Her case highlights that Meghalaya has no shortage of gifted players; what’s missing is reach. Too often, only athletes from district headquarters get noticed and picked, whereas many players in remote areas continue to wait for opportunities.
Aniesha’s rise underlines the impact of timely intervention at the grassroots level. Efforts by coaches such as Suraj Rabha and Shiva R Sangma, who actively reach out to interior villages, show how early identification can make a difference. With better support, training and outreach programmes backed by the Government of Meghalaya in talent scouting across regions, many more players like her could be discovered and developed.
From a small village with limited opportunities to making an impact in competitive cricket, Aniesha Arengh’s story reflects both determination and the potential that exists in Meghalaya’s grassroots sports.
