Chief minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday inaugurated a slew of facilities at JSCA International Stadium complex in the presence of former India skipper and star from the state Mahendra Singh Dhoni and ICC member Amitabh Choudhary.

The new facilities include a solar power plant of 400MW capacity, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, C3 Fitness Club, and The Uptown Café.

“I was present as an ordinary man when the foundation stone of the stadium was being laid (on October 24, 2010),” Hemant said. “I am happy today to get the opportunity to inaugurate the facilities as chief minister. The foundation of the stadium was laid by Guruji (father Shibu Soren). This stadium is an example of the result of the work started by Guruji. On this occasion, I promise you to develop the state in the same way.”

Later, he counted the challenges before the state and expressed his commitment to meet them head on.

“Jharkhand is considered the most underdeveloped state in the world. People call it remote suggesting it is a terrible state unlike Goa, Kerala and other states. Though it is a golden bird with 42 per cent of mineral wealth of the country, there is poverty here. I accept the challenge to change the state’s situation, as people of the state has given me the responsibility of doing the job quite like the youths of the state,” Hemant said.

Dhoni congratulated the chief minister “for his outstanding performance in the elections”.

He added: “I hope the glory of the state spreads not only in the country but also to the entire world under his able leadership.”

A few budding cricketing talents were present during the event.

“I would like to tell the players to practise properly. Play Ranji matches and also represent India,” said Dhoni, who reached the venue on time at 3.30pm, wrapping up his speech in exactly five minutes.

On the facilities inaugurated, Choudhary said: “The cost of the solar power plant is Rs 176 lakh. Of the total amount, Rs 52 lakh was provided by Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Authority. It was developed by German agency GIZ and JSCA had signed an MoU with the agency in 2017.”

Choudhary said other facilities will also start at JSCA stadium soon. “Within a year or two coaching will start for youths and a diagnostic centre will start too.”