Shillong, Oct 8: Voice of the People Party (VPP) MLA from Mawlai Brightstarwell Marbaniang, has petitioned the state government for improvement of sports infrastructures and financial aids for sports clubs in his constituency.
Marbaniang said that measures to enhance sports infrastructure and to empower the sporting community in Mawlai will also ensure that such facilities can be used for the upcoming National Games.
On Wednesday Marbaniang met Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and submitted to him a memorandum for the urgent need for improvement of sports infrastructures including grounds and indoors stadiums as well as providing financial support for sports clubs, schools and community in Mawlai.
On the matter of upgradation of existing sports grounds in Mawlai, the MLA stated that his constituency is facing shortage of proper sports grounds for athletes to train and compete.
“Many youths including sports clubs are struggling to find suitable venues for their activities, which is hampering the overall development of sports,” he stated in his memorandum to the Sports Minister.
Marbaniang pointed out that though there are number of grounds in different localities of Mawlai – Mawiong Rim, Mawiong Umjapung, Umthlong, Nongkwar, Mawroh, Mawkynroh, Umshing, Mawtawar, Umsaw, Nongkohlew, Mawsiatkhnam and Umrynjah, however, these grounds require urgent renovation and upgradation like installation of proper turf, drainage systems and fencing.
The MLA also pointed out that there are few community-cum-indoor stadiums in Mawlai, but many are in a dilapidated state making it unsafe and unfit to play and some among them are, community-cum-indoor stadium in Mawiong Umjapung and Nongpdeng which requires urgent renovation to restore and make it functional.
He also urged the government for the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor facility equipped to support multi-sport disciplines such as badminton, table tennis, volleyball and basketball with provisions for audience seating, changing rooms and ancillary amenities.
“The absence of such a state-of-the-art indoor facility is hindering the growth of sports and limiting the opportunities for athletes to excel in their respective disciplines,” Marbaniang stated.
He also requested for the creation of a standard-size football field with requisite infrastructure such as flood lights, spectator stands and installation of an athletic track and field of necessary athletic equipment to promote competitive sports.
Urging the government to provide sustainable financial assistance to local sports clubs, the Mawlai MLA stated that many sport clubs in Mawlal are facing financial constraints and are unable to maintain their existing infrastructure or provide necessary equipment to their athletes.
“Therefore, regular financial grants or subsidies are vital for these clubs to continue their operations and support the development of young talent in sports,” he stated.
The Mawlai legislator also stated that the appointment of certified coaches in major disciplines like football, basketball and athletics is required and pointed out the hosting of annual talent identification camps to nurture young talent from Mawlai and surrounding areas.
In the memorandum, Marbaniang pointed out that for the promotion of traditional and indigenous games there is a need to allocate funds and space to preserve cultural sports heritage. He also urged for the distribution of standardised sports kids and regular maintenance of existing equipment in schools, community and clubs.
