The state government should focus on constructing bigger indoor stadiums and permanent training centres for the benefit of athletes, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association working president John F Kharshiing has said.
The MSOA and state government have run a massive statewide grassroots talent identification programme called the Elite Pathway Programme where the data suggests that Meghalaya has huge potential in weightlifting, combat sports, gymnastics, diving and certain athletic events.
However, the state still needs bigger venues and training centres for these young sportspersons, Kharshiing said.
Some disciplines required specialised equipment that makes it difficult to move from one venue to another. An example of this is sports shooting, Kharshiing, who is the President of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, said. The target machine in shooting has to be fixed and is difficult to move from one place to another.
Sports like weightlifting, boxing and gymnastics would also benefit from having dedicated venues rather than moving from one indoor stadium to another as and when they are free for use.
He further said that one of the reasons he has kept pursuing the aim of holding the National Games in Meghalaya is so that sports infrastructure is built and that which already exists is improved, which will be used by local athletes for years to come.
