Shillong, (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma claimed on Friday that his government has created more sports infrastructure in the state over the past five years than what was done 45 years after statehood.
“In the last five years, we have constructed more stadiums and infrastructure than was done in the last 45 years in our state, and this is a reflection of the commitment of the government towards the cause of the youth and allowing them to follow and excel in their passion,” he said.
“We have gone on mission mode to create sports infrastructure across the state, giving our youth in rural areas opportunities to hone their talents. This is an investment in the youth of Meghalaya, and we will continue our efforts to ensure we see our children shine on national and international platforms, allowing them to excel in their passion,” the Chief Minister said after laying the foundation stone for artificial football turf at Riangdo Playground in West Khasi Hills district.
“I know that many people who are now in different walks of life have played football in this field, but for 52 years there has been no investment to improve this particular ground,” he said and informed that approximately Rs 10 crores is being sanctioned for the improvement and upgrade of the Riangdo Playground, and the estimated time for completion is 18 months.
Commending the victory of the Meghalaya football team in the Khelo India Youth Games, where the Meghalaya Under-18 football team defeated Punjab, the Chief Minister said, “It was a proud moment for all of us when our youth brought laurels and the cup to our state.”
He, however, added that the government needs to provide support in terms of infrastructure, financial assistance, and policies so that the youth of the state can excel in different disciplines, even as he mentioned that the recently held Meghalaya Games, which has become an annual calendar event, can be held in West Khasi Hills in the future if the infrastructure is ready.
“The policy of the government is to hold the Meghalaya Games in different districts of the state so that infrastructure can be created at different places and these can be later utilized by the youth of the region to further their interests in sports,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the different financial assistance programs, cash awards, and scholarships offered by the government to medal winners so that the youngsters are incentivized to carry on and invest in sports.
