Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today laid the foundation stone for Rongjeng Stadium in East Garo Hills, which is set to be constructed at a cost of Rs 9.25 crore.
Also present on the occasion were Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and legislators Jim Sangma and Rupert Momin.
The project encompasses a football ground and spectators’ gallery.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM reminded the gathering of the vision of his father and political colossus, the late Purno A Sangma, who had a close affinity for Rongjeng and its people.
Conrad said that creation of Rongjeng sub-division and other infrastructure, which are coming up in the region, is a testament of the vision of his father.
He heralded his government for spending more than Rs 400 crore in the last five years on sports infrastructure in the state and promised almost another Rs 1,000 crore in the following five years.
“Since the inception of the state (in 1972) until 2018, not much was spent to develop and promote sports, but the MDA government has realised the potential of sports and we have come up with programmes to promote sports in the state,” Conrad said.
He informed that the government has envisioned to upgrade 25 football playgrounds in Meghalaya with artificial turfs.
The CM also informed that the Meghalaya Games 2023 will be hosted by Tura this year, which will bring over 3,000 athletes from across the state together.
“Our sole focus is to create better infrastructure and ensure that our youth are given the platform to unleash their talents,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Warjri said that the government is committed to promote sports in Meghalaya.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, we have been working to provide better sports infrastructure in the state. We want to make Meghalaya as a sports capital,” he said.
