Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Mini Stadium at Bakennang Nalsa in Bajengdoba under the North Garo Hills district.
Funded through the State Plan Scheme, the stadium will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 3,01,85,000.
The “Bakennang Nalsa Mini Stadium will be upgraded with AIFF/FIFA certified football turf, VIP, and spectator seating galleries, modern change room facilities, media centre, office spaces, parking areas and commercial spaces,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement.
The development of an outdoor football stadium in the area with a dearth of sports infrastructure will create a pathway for the youth and the citizens of the region to partake in sports and physical activities, it said.
At the event on Thursday, chief minister Sangma condoled the untimely demise of Rajabala MLA, Dr. Azad Zaman.
He also expressed his condolence to the bereaved family on behalf of the state government.
A two-minute silence was observed in respect of Dr. Azad Zaman.
On the upgradation of sports infrastructure, chief minister Sangma said, “To improve sports facilities across the state, the government of Meghalaya has earmarked Rs. 100 Crore for the year 2020-21, out of which, Rs. 3 Crore was sanctioned for Bajengdoba.”
Regarding the development in the road sector, the chief minister stated, “The government has enhanced the budget for road construction across Meghalaya compared to 2013-18, from Rs. 700 crore, the MDA government has sanctioned about 1800 Crores for road construction in the past three years.”
The chief minister also declared that the Bajengdoba Mini Stadium will be renamed as the ‘Hamilton Stadium’ in memory of (L) Hamilton Momin for his contributions to music in Garo Hills.
Late Hamilton Momin’s wife has thanked Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma for dedicating the new stadium in her husband’s name.
Thanking the people of Garo Hills, the Meghalaya CM announced that the new stadium will be constructed and completed positively by December 2022.
MLAs Pongseng R. Marak, Rupert Momin and other officials were also present at the event.
Bajengdoba MLA Pongseng Marak thanked CM Conrad K Sangma for his concerted effort to ensure growth and development in the state.
He said the creation of the stadium in the Bajengdoba area will benefit the youth of the entire North Garo Hills district.
Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin in his address stated that the youth of Garo Hills have talent, however, in absence of sporting infrastructure, they are unable to unleash their talent to the full potential.
He said the creation of the new sports infrastructure will provide the youths with a platform to excel in sports and other activities.