‘Meghalaya should lead the way in football’
SHILLONG: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exhorted Meghalaya to “lead the way” for other parts of the country to build a series of major events leading to the Under-17 World Cup.
“We are all aware of the love that the people of the Northeast, and especially Meghalaya, have for football. Football is a passion here and is played in every nook and corner,” Modi said addressing a mammoth public gathering here on Friday.
India will host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup next year.
The Prime Minister, who also laid the base for the construction of a multi sports stadium at Ampati in South West Garo Hills, expressed hope that the stadium would fulfill the Meghalaya government’s “Mission Football”.
“We are all familiar with famous football players such as Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Aibor Khongjee, and Marlangki Suting. They have done both the country and the State proud, by representing India in International tournaments, and their clubs in the Indian Super League,” Modi said.
Stating that Meghalaya has a large number of football clubs, he suggested that the state could perhaps organise competitive local tournaments and lead the way for other parts of the country to build a series of major events leading to the Under-17 World Cup.
On the tourism sector of Meghalaya, Modi said that Meghalaya has a distinct historical, cultural and ethnic heritage besides being blessed with natural beauty and wildlife.
“There is no reason for a tourist to not want to visit Meghalaya. There is a tremendous opportunity for tourism, as well as adventure tourism, in the North Eastern Region, particularly, Meghalaya,” he said, adding there is a need to develop tourist circuits by providing better facilities to tourists, in terms of improved road connectivity, hotels, and cleanliness.
