Sportsmen suffer in ownership tussle over Polo Grounds

SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills district administration along with police, members of the Shillong Sports Association and Shillong Ground Trust Association (SGTA) on Friday conducted an inspection of a gate that was erected by the SGTA at the entrance of Polo Ground which has affected the movement of players and others who visit the stadium for practice.
Speaking to media persons after the inspection, president of Shillong Sports Association, Bindo M. Lanong, said the gate was erected a few months back and now the movement of the people who want to go inside Polo Ground is controlled by the organisation (Shillong Ground Trust Association).
According to Lanong, SGTA has been claiming that the entire land where the Polo Grounds exists belongs to them whereas Shillong Sports Association is contesting the claim.
Last week, the matter was also discussed with the district deputy commissioner following which the joint inspection was held on Friday.
Lanong stated that they will meet again next week with all the stakeholders to arrive to a solution to the impasse.
“More than 70 clubs in Khasi Hills are associated with Shillong Sports Association and it is our duty to look at the convenience of all the sports lovers who come to the ground for various sports activities.
It may be mentioned that sports facilities of different        disciplines like football, cricket, badminton, basketball and others are inside the Polo Ground complex which is thronged by hundreds of sports lovers every day.
When contacted, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner P.S. Dkhar said both the sides have made arrangements that passes will be issued to officer bearers of the Shillong Sports Association and football teams who go to the venue. Besides, spectators would be allowed to park their vehicles in the parking lot.
A detailed settlement, however, is expected in a meeting scheduled to be held on July 11.