Shillong, 19th Nov 19: The Meghalaya National Games Outreach Summit was held here today at State Convention Centre, Shillong which was inaugurated by Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma. The inauguration was also attended by Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, Banteidor Lyngdoh.
In his inaugural address, speaking on various CSR projects, funding and investments for better impacts in Meghalaya sports the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said that Meghalaya and North East in general has always been a region that produced excellent sportspersons.
“It is a natural talent in our people and without much support or infrastructures people have excelled in different Sports which reflect the passion and talents of the people,” he said. He said that it is the endeavour and goal of the government to nurture these talents and added that, “This summit is one of the ways towards achieving this goal by bringing all stakeholders together.”
The Chief Minister also added that schools and colleges in the state have good sports infrastructures and sports associations have contributed towards bringing out the talents in the people.
He further informed that with the Meghalaya Sports Policy it has become mandatory for schools to have Physical Training teachers in schools. Highlighting the various aspects of the Meghalaya Sports Policy he said that it is very important to recognize the roles of sports associations and contributions of sportspersons who bring laurels to the State.
Talking about the National Games 2022 the Chief Minister said that it will be a massive transformative event for the State which will have a big impact not only in the sports scenario but also the economy of the State.
He informed that work for all stadiums will start soon with upgradation of P A Sangma Stadium in Tura and other sports facilities in the State. “ The National Games will not only develop the sports culture in the State but will open up opportunities for trade, entrepreneurship, tourism besides developing urban infrastructures and connectivity,” he said.
In his address, Sports Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh said that the government is working hard to ensure that the infrastructures to host the National Games are built in time.
He also said that the government is ensuring that the infrastructures built is used and maintained in a sustainable way even after the National Games. He also shared and applauded the recent achievements of various athletes of Meghalaya in various national and international sports.
The National Games Outreach Summit: Vision 2022 and beyond will focus on the sporting scenario in Meghalaya with comparative studies and analysis with a special focus on the sporting scenario on the upcoming National Games 2022.
The summit will also look to structure a comprehensive sports development program starting from the National Games 2022 preparation to penning down sports policies, analysis on technical and infrastructure issues and market research studies for a viable community development starting from now to beyond 2022.
The event will push to highlight successful sports and athletic programs, discuss upcoming projects and highlight ideas and issues required to make a change and develop a common envisioned program.
