Shillong, Feb 2: As part of government’s push to create important sports infrastructures in rural parts of Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday laid the Foundation Stone for Artificial Football Turf at Riangdo Playground in West Khasi Hills.
The Riangdo Football field is a very important infrastructure not only for Riangdo but also adjoining areas as the main field to host sports events. Approximately Rs. 10 crore has been earmarked for the improvement and upgradation of the Riangdo Playground, to be compelted in 18 months.
In his address, Chief Minister Sangma said “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 also stressed that the government has constructed more stadiums and infrastructures in the last five years than what was made in the last 45 years put together. This, he said, 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.
Also commending the victory of the Meghalaya football team in Khelo India Youth Games 2023 where the Meghalaya Under 18 Football Team defeated Punjab to clinch the Gold Medal, the CM said, “It is a proud moment for all of us that our youth have brought laurels and the cup to our state and this shows that our children are second to none.”
He added that the government needs to provide the support in terms of infrastructure, financial assistance and policies so that youth of the state can excel in different disciplines. He also said that the Meghalaya Games, which has become an annual calendar event, can be held in West Khasi Hills in future if the infrastructures are ready. “This is again a policy of the government to have the Meghalaya Games in different district of the state so that infrastructures can be created at different places and these can be later utilized by the youth of the region to further their interests in Sports,” he said.
He also highlighted about the different financial assistance programs, cash awards and scholarships of the government to medal winners so that the youngsters are incentivized to carry and invest in the sport that they have excelled.
“We will not only create infrastructures but will work closely with different Sports Associations in their efforts to promote Sports,” he said. He further called upon the youth to stay focused and channelize their energy in the right direction to become productive and responsible citizens.
Read: PM Modi to inaugurate Maa Kamakhya corridor and Rs 11,000 crore projects in Assam
WATCH:
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/nemediahub
