Siju, Oct 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated a synthetic football turf at Mandalgitok Playground in Siju, South Garo Hills, as the state steps up efforts to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure and create more opportunities for young athletes across Meghalaya.
The facility is part of the government’s wider plan to construct 58 artificial turf grounds, one in each Assembly constituency, with a sanctioned investment of more than Rs 300 crore. Sangma said the initiative would significantly expand access to modern football facilities, with Meghalaya expected to have the highest number of artificial turfs in India once all the projects are completed.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said sports and youth development were central to the state’s long-term ambitions. He added that more than Rs 2,000 crore had been invested in sports infrastructure over the past eight years, covering stadiums, football grounds, swimming pools and indoor sports facilities across the state.
Sangma said the objective extended beyond building infrastructure, with the government seeking to provide young people with opportunities to develop their abilities and compete at higher levels. He said the state planned to organise grassroots tournaments for different age groups once the artificial turfs were completed, helping identify promising players for district- and state-level competitions.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Meghalaya’s preparations to host the National Games for the first time in March 2027, with around 15,000 athletes, coaches and officials expected to participate. He said the government’s ambition was to see young athletes from the state progress to national and international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.
The new turf at Siju is expected to provide local footballers with improved playing facilities and a venue for organised competitions. Sangma thanked the A•king Nokma for donating the land for the project and said the scenic location could also offer opportunities for tourism-related development, including a tourist lodge and restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy the surroundings while watching football tournaments.
The programme was attended by Rongara-Siju MLA Rakkam A. Sangma, Rongjeng MLA and former Education Minister Jim M. Sangma, Chokpot MLA Sengchim N. Sangma, South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Sumit Kumar Singh, traditional leaders, officials, students and members of the public.
