Shillong, 2nd Feb 2024: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today, laid the Foundation Stone for Artificial Football Turf at Riangdo Playground, West Khasi Hills, in the presence of Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, MLA, Mawshynrut, Merthodus Dkhar and Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, Garod Dykes.
In his address, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, said that the Riangdo Football field is a very important infrastructure not only for Riangdo but for the adjoining areas. “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.
He informed that approximately 10 crores is being sanctioned for the improvement and upgradation of the Riangdo Playground and the estimated time for completion is 18 months.
“The government has constructed more stadiums and infrastructures in the last five years than what was made in the last 45 years put together 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 stated.
Commending the victory of the Meghalaya football team in Khelo India Youth Games where the Meghalaya Under 18 Football Team defeated Punjab the Chief Minister 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.
The Chief Minister 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.