Meghalaya to continue preparation for National games amid COVID-19

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 22, 2020

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said the Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for construction of a disabled-friendly stadium for hosting of the National Games 2022. 

In his supplementary reply during the Assembly, Sangma also informed that from the state’s own resources, Rs 100 crore will be sanctioned for development of different stadiums. 

Earlier while replying to a motion moved by Congress MLA from Mawsynram HM Shangpliang, Sports Minister Bantedor Lyngdoh said not surprisingly, COVID-19 has also upended the sporting calendar, with professional leagues everywhere suspending their activities to limit the spread of the virus. 

He said doubts have been raised on the conduct of the 36th National Games to be hosted by Goa. He said recently, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has finalized October 20, this year as the start date for the Goa National Games. 

Despite this uncertain scenario, Lyngdoh said Meghalaya is continuing its efforts in preparing for the 39th edition of the National Games in 2022. 

He said significant progress has been made in infrastructure planning and team preparation.

Lyngdoh informed that land parcels have been identified in the host city as well as the sub-city. “We are happy to inform that the government will be hosting most of the games at venues which will either be built or renovated on government land and no money has been spend on land acquisition,” he said. 

He said three large infrastructure projects and several smaller projects are proposed to be taken up to organize the national games.

He said the first project is the Centre for Disability Sports Complex at Umsawli, which be used as the main stadium for the games. 

The project is being funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, who will also be constructing the stadium.

“The approval for the construction of the project in the 50 acre land at Umsawli, New Shillong Township is at the advanced stage. The project was approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) and awaiting approval of the Union cabinet. The estimate cost of the project is Rs 200 crore,” he said. 

He informed that the second key infrastructure project is the complete reconstruction of the current PA Sangma Stadim at Tura and renaming it as the PA Sangma Integrated Sports Complex. 

This stadium is planned to be constructed with a cost of approximately of Rs 125 crore. “We already got a sanction for Rs 96.67 crore and an amount of 43.50 crore has already been released as the first instalment for this project by the Ministry of Minority Affairs,” he said.  

He said the third key infrastructure project is the comprehensive sports infrastructure development at the JN Stadium complex at Polo, Shillong. 

This project includes renovation of the JN Stadium, construction of a tennis stadium and construction of a world class indoor sports complex at the 5th ground at Polo. The designs for this project are being finalised and the project will be funded from state’s own resources. “The cost of the project is around Rs 125 crore. Adequate budget provision has been provided for the 2020-21 financial year so that this project can be initiated this year,” he added.

Besides these, the minister said other indoor stadia and multi-purpose sadia are being finalised to accommodate the 38 sporting events proposed for conduct at the national games 2022. 

Ampati Stadium, in South West Garo Hills is being constructed with a cost of Rs 38.026 crores from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) of the Ministry of DoNER. 

He said the Tribal Research Institute at Babadam, West Garo Hills which is being constructed at a cost of Rs 41 crores with support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs will also be used, both for sports and for accommodation of the athletes. 

“We are optimistic that we will progress as per the originally envisaged timeline. The government and department of Sports and Youth Affairs is committed to achieving excellence in sports and to organizing the National games in 2022,” Lyngdoh added