Mukul promises bigger fund allocation for sports in next fiscal year
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma inaugurated the 34th National Junior Archery Championship at the Cricket Ground , Polo here on Monday.
Over 500 participants from 30 states will participate in the five-day event which will see teams and individuals contesting in various divisions like recurve, compound and Indian round. Silver and bronze medalist in individual recurve, Atanu Das and Seema Verma respectively (both of SPSB) besides the silver (men) and bronze medalist (women) in recurve at the Junior World Championship would also compete in the championship.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sangma emphasised on the need for allocation of more funds towards the development of sports while adding that the state (Meghalaya) would increase the fund allocation from the coming financial year.
Dr Sangma said that the State Government has realised the need to give due importance to the overall development of the youth.
“Taking this objective forward, we have decided to observe next year as the Year of the Youth,” he said.
“Sports enable us to come together and understand the rich diversity of our country. It is high time we look at investing in this field,” he added.
Dr Sangma said that he would also take up the cause of greater allocation of funds for the development of sports with the Centre.
“We will try to prevail upon policy makers in Delhi in this regard,” he said.
Earlier, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said that it was proud moment for the State to hold such a prestigious tournament.
While stating that the State has managed to produce many athletes in archery who have brought laurels to it, she said, “We hope that this championship would provide an opportunity to the young archer’s of the State to showcase their talent.”