Shillong, May 18: The Meghalaya government plans to establish 510 sports infrastructure projects by 2028, with an aim to bolster local sports and to prepare athletes who can represent India at the 2032 Olympics.
This was announced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at a foundation stone laying ceremony for a mini stadium in Damas, North Garo Hills district today.
He emphasized that equitable development is key, ensuring no district or locality is neglected, saying, “No district, no block, no locality is left behind.”
The chief minister said that the mini stadium is a step towards realising the potential of Damas’ youth, enabling them to dream big and prepare for the global sporting stage.
Sangma informed that the sports facility will be constructed at an amount of Rs ₹3.44 crore under the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Highlighting investments in the Garo Hills region, he said over ₹400 crore has been committed across 53 projects, while in North Garo Hills, nine projects worth ₹33.81 crore have been taken up since 2018 across stadiums, basketball courts, and indoor facilities.
The Chief Minister stressed equitable development and emphasised the importance of giving due focus to districts and district headquarters. He informed that an additional ₹5 crore will be sanctioned for the Resubelpara Stadium, taking the total project cost to ₹8.50 crore.
Speaking on local sporting talent, he mentioned Henry A. Sangma, an athlete from Babukhona, North Garo Hills, who won a bronze medal in the North East Olympic Games, and Cherim Ch Sangma from Bajengdoba, North Garo Hills, who began training in 2023 and progressed through the STAR Programme to the Advanced Athletics Programme.
He said, “Likewise, many youth of the State are naturally endowed with sports talent and skills but lack opportunities like training, infrastructure, and avenues to hone their talents and skills.”
