By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Independent legislator John Leslee K Sangma said that Meghalaya needs to produce its own Mary Kom.
“At the moment, the government seems to be satisfied and happy with Mary Kom being the pride of this region,” Sangma said while taking part in the debate on the Governor’s Address in the Assembly on Monday.
The independent legislator said that the state needs a sports idol of its own who can excel at both the national and international level.
“At the moment, the approach of the government is totally wrong. I do not think holding of sports event once in a year will help to spot the right talent who can shine,” Sangma, who made his maiden speech in the House, said.
According to him, concerts and sports events are like feasts where the youth come to enjoy and then move on.
“We need to get people who can spot young talents in various sports disciplines. We would then need to nurture and groom these young talents so that they can achieve a higher level of excellence,” he said.
The independent legislator believes that the state needs to adapt the model followed in Assam and Manipur.
“I am told that Assam holds four to five ranking championship for their state badminton players to compete among themselves. This helps the state to select players for the national championship,” Sangma said.
He said that Meghalaya organises a trial-cum-selection camp to select its state teams.
“It is because of this reason that the state always loses in the first round wherever they participate,” Marak said.