"Govt will spend around Rs 1000 crore in next 5 yrs to build sports infrastructure across state": Meghalaya CM

East Garo Hills: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Thursday that to create sports infrastructure across the state, his government will spend around Rs 1000 crore in the next five years.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister laid the foundation for Rongjeng Stadium in East Garo Hills in the presence of Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri and MLAs Jim Sangma and Rupert Momin.

The stadium is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 9.25 crore, which includes the development of a football ground and the construction of a spectators' gallery.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reminded the gathering of the vision of the late PA Sangma, who had a close affinity for Rongjeng and its people.
The Chief Minister said that the creation of the Rongjeng Sub Division and other infrastructure that is coming up in the region is a testament to the vision of the late PA Sangma for Rongjeng.

Talking about developing sports infrastructure, he said that in the last five years since 2018, the government has spent Rs 400 crore plus, compared to the past 45 years.

"In the next five years, close to Rs 1000 crore will be spent to create sports infrastructure across the state," Conrad Sangma said.
"Since the inception of the state till 2018, not much has been 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," he said.

He informed that the government has envisioned upgrading 25 football playgrounds in the state with artificial turf.
He said that different sports are being given thrust to further develop so that the youth can take maximum advantage of the ongoing sports programmes.
He also informed that the Meghalaya Games 2023 will be hosted in Tura this year, which will be attended by over 3000 athletes from across the state.

"Our sole focus is to create better infrastructure and ensure that our youth are given the platform to unleash their talents," he stressed.
He also took the opportunity to enlighten the people about the CM Elevate programme, which aims to support entrepreneurs in setting up different business ventures.

He urged people to take advantage of the CM Elevate programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri said that the government is committed to promoting 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 a sports capital," he said.