Shillong, Sept 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has stressed that the state is deeply committed to making the dream of having Meghalaya represented in the Indian Olympic Contingent for the 2028 Olympic Games. He strongly believes that with world class infrastructure, the right talent identification and development mechanism and with access to high quality coaching, “our athletes will be able to excel and represent the country in the Olympics.”
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang in the Assembly on Friday, he said concerted efforts need to be made with a goal of having Meghalaya’s athletes represent the country in the 2024 and 2028 Olympics.
Referring to the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics whereby India recorded its best medal tally ever, the CM said this achievement has made each Indian proud but the Indian Olympic squad had no athlete from Meghalaya.
He also stressed that to produce Olympians it takes concentrated and persistent efforts from all the key stakeholders and building a robust sports ecosystem.
To achieve the dream of having Meghalaya’s athletes represent the country in 2028 Olympics, he said the State Government and MSOA have already initiated numerous plans.
State Sports Policy and State Youth Policy
The State Sports Policy and the State Youth Policy was approved in 2019 and 2021, respectively. The policies lay out a detailed framework for engaging and empowering 12 lakhs young people of the State in the age group of 15-29 years to be able to realise their full potential in various spheres including sports. The policy frameworks are designed around promoting sports both to achieve competitive excellence and for improving overall wellbeing.
Mentionably, 85 percent of Meghalaya’s population is under 45 years of age, 74 percent is under 35 years of age and 59 percent is under 25 years of age.
“This large proportion of the young population, if provided the right opportunities, could become the key agents for social change, economic development and technological innovation,” Conrad said.
Building world class sports infrastructure
The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has started building world class sports infrastructure at Shillong in East Khasi Hills, Tura in West Garo Hills and Wahiajer, West Jaintia Hills. Rural infrastructure including football grounds, running tracks and basketball courts are being constructed across various locations.
– Upgradation and Enhancement of the J.N.S Sports Complex Shillong: The components of the project include an Olympic Size Swimming Pool 50m x 25m, practice pool 25m x 17m, Fitness centres, 5 AITA Compliant Tennis Courts, Multi-Purpose Indoor Hall of 60m x 40m, Squash Courts, Table Tennis Hall, Jogging Track, Open Amphitheatre, 10m and 25m shooting range, Banquet halls, Cafeteria and restaurant, Administrative office spaces.
– The upgradation and enhancement of the JNS complex has been segregated into 3 projects: Upgradation of the JNS Outdoor sports complex which is estimated at Rs. 39.01 Cr – tendering in process; Integrated Indoor sports Complex which is estimated at Rs. 96.48 Cr – DPR prepared, technical sanction and Administrative approval accorded; JN Aquatics and Tennis complex estimated at Rs. 39.39 Cr – DPR prepared, Technical Sanction is being processed.
– P.A Sangma Integrated Sports Complex: The total estimated cost for the upgradation and construction of the sports infrastructure is Rs. 127.98 Cr. The project comprises of two indoor complexes and an outdoor football stadium including a FIFA Compliant Football field with modular lighting, Seating capacity of 9500, VIP Seating Gallery and Lounge, 25 Meters x 19 Meters swimming pool, Badminton hall for 8 courts, Table Tennis Hall, 4 Squash Courts, Cafeteria , Open air dining space, Public plaza and Administrative office spaces. The construction works is ongoing at a good pace, with the football stadium expected to be completed by December 2021.
– Wahiajer Outdoor Stadium, West Jaintia Hills District: The stadium includes a FIFA approved synthetic Football turf and an Athletics federation approved synthetic athletics track with seating capacity of 3000, VIP and media galleries and administrative office spaces. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 24.97 Cr.
– Ampati Outdoor Stadium, South West Garo Hills District: The stadium is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 46.64 Cr. It shall feature a FIFA compliant football stadium, VIP seating Gallery, commercial retail spaces, seating capacity of over 15000, administrative office areas.
– Additionally, 57 grassroot level sports infrastructure projects including renovations and new constructions have been sanctioned in the financial year 2020-21 amounting to Rs. 20.72 Cr and 110 projects in the present financial year 2021-22 amounting to Rs. 67.86 Cr.
– In total, the government has initiated sports infrastructure projects with a total investment of about Rs. 500 Cr.
Competitions and Tournaments
• The Meghalaya Games were organised in 2020 after a gap of 16 years. The event saw participation from over 1600 athletes. The event has now been institutionalised and shall be conducted on an annual basis by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) with support from the State Government. This competition provides a platform for the young athletes of the State to test and showcase their skills. Through competitions such as these, talented athletes are identified for further grooming and development.
• The State is slated to host the 39th Edition of the National Games. The COVID pandemic has disrupted sporting calendars across the globe including the national games. However, hosting of the national games will play an important role in inspiring the athletes of the State to compete and achieve laurels for the State.
• The State government, in close coordination with the MSOA and the various State sports associations, is in the process of submitting candidatures for hosting various international/national/regional competitions in the year 2022 as we celebrate the golden jubilee year of Statehood.
Centres of Excellence
Establishing centres of excellence with state-of-the-art sports science equipment and experienced technical manpower is an essential ingredient for producing champions.
• The J.N.S Stadium Complex in Shillong has been accorded the accreditation of a Centre of Excellence under the Sports Ministry’s flagship programme Khelo India. Under the scheme 3 Olympic sport disciplines (Boxing, Athletics, Archery) are slated to be supported technically and financially with a grant of approximately Rs. 8.00 Crores over a period of 4 years.
• Over 10 centres in the State have received accreditation from the Khelo India scheme as district level small Khelo India centres. The centres would be financially support for procurement of sports equipment and support to technical staff. The State is in process of further leveraging the various verticals of the Khelo India Scheme for grassroot sports development.
• Post the construction of the P.A Sangma Integrated Sports Complex and the JNS Stadium, the State government is contemplating entering into partnerships with international and national level sports institutions and bodies for setting up of centres of excellence at the two venues.
Support to State Sports Associations
– The government recognises that the various sports associations need to be strengthened and supported so that they can effectively discharge their mandate of developing and promoting sporting disciplines.
– The sports department has been conducting coordination workshops and seminars with the MSOA and the State Sports Associations to understand the support that they require for sports equipment, participation in national/regional level tournaments and recruitment of technical manpower. We are in the process of formulating a scheme in line with the Sports Policy for extending systematic support to the MSOA and the various State Sports Associations.
Talent Identification and Development
– Another critical step for producing Olympians is to identity the right talent from the right age groups. For instance, for the 2024 Olympics the right age group to identify and nurture would be the current 15-20 year olds. For the 2028 Olympics the relevant target age group would be much younger.
– The government is putting in place a talent identification and development programme in coordination with the MSOA.
– Under the programme a large number of children under different age groups would be screened and those exhibiting potential would be channelled into more structured training programmes. This programme shall be conducted using globally accepted online and offline testing methods.
