Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a mini stadium in Damas, marking an important step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and creating better opportunities for youths in the district.
The programme, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, was held at Sacred Heart Secondary School, Damas, North Garo Hills.
Also present at the programme were Timothy D. Shira, Minister of Tourism, Fisheries and Agriculture; Marthon D. Sangma, Chairman, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation and MLA of 38-Mendipathar Constituency (ST); Rupert M. Momin, MLA of 37-Kharkutta Constituency (ST); officials from the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Agriculture Department, district administration, local leaders, students and members of the public.
In his address, the Chief Minister said the long-pending demand of the youth of Damas for a dedicated sports facility has now been fulfilled with the sanction of Rs 3.44 crore under the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs for the construction of the mini stadium.
He stated, “With the laying of this foundation stone, the Government is officially committing Rs 3.44 crore to build the brand-new mini stadium at Damas. This is a solemn promise kept to our community.”
He said the project will transform the existing ground into a proper sporting arena with a covered gallery, open seating galleries, and improved playground facilities, adding that, “This long-awaited Mini Stadium will serve as a dedicated, multi-purpose facility for our youth, schools, and community events.”
The Chief Minister added that the stadium will enable local athletes to access wider competitive platforms, stating that it will “break geographic barriers and enable our athletes to participate in district, inter-district, and inter-state competitions,” thereby giving them the exposure they deserve.
He further stated that the Government is working towards a long-term vision of building 510 sports infrastructure projects by 2028, with the aim of producing athletes capable of representing the country at the 2032 Olympics, noting that “No district, no block, no locality is left behind.”
Highlighting investments in the Garo Hills region, he said over Rs 400 crore has been committed across 53 projects, while in North Garo Hills, nine projects worth Rs 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 Rs 5 crore will be sanctioned for the Resubelpara Stadium, taking the total project cost to Rs 8.50 crore.