Shillong, May 2 (IANS). Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday said investment in youth and sports infrastructure is the “biggest investment” for the future of the state. He inaugurated the upgraded playing field and indoor sports stadium at Umlingka.
On this occasion R.V. Lyngdoh, Hamletson Dohling, officials of the Sports Department, members of local Dorbar Shnong organizations and a large number of area residents were present.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that for the last few years, the government has been continuously working to ensure balanced development in all the regions and assembly constituencies of Meghalaya. He said that the governance system should be such that it is sensitive to the concerns and aspirations of the people and development should reach every area.
“As a government, we must listen to people’s problems and live up to their expectations. Along with big infrastructure projects, we believe that investment in youth and people is the biggest investment,” Sangma said.
He said this Rs 3.5 crore project should not be seen as a mere expenditure but a long-term investment in building future generations.
The Chief Minister said that such sports facilities will help in producing disciplined, hardworking and sportspersons who can show excellence in every walk of life.
“I consider it not an expense, but an investment in the youth and the future of the state,” he said.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the government’s extensive initiatives in the sports sector. He said the government is committed to creating a strong environment for sportspersons and sports federations through building sports infrastructure and policy support, so that young talent can flourish and compete at the highest level.
Congratulating the local residents, especially the youth, Sangma urged the community to take collective responsibility of this new facility, so that it remains useful, attractive and active for years to come.
The advanced sports complex includes a fully constructed Indoor Sports Hall with Badminton Court, Dressing Rooms, Toilets and Officials’ Room.
The project will directly benefit four local schools including Umlingka Pre-Secondary School, Sun Shnong Secondary School, Phila Rapsang Secondary School and Thomas Jones Secondary School. Apart from this, about 3,000 youth of the area will also benefit from this.
–IANS
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