SHILLONG: With Meghalaya winning the bid to host the 2022 National Games, Arts and Culture Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh wants the youth in the State to prepare themselves to participate in the event.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 110th year (1906-2016) celebration of Laban Sports Club, one of State’s oldest sports club, on Friday, he said, “I urged the president of the club to work in tandem with the Sports Department to see that the youth are trained to prepare them for the event as we should not only host but bag medals too.”
Referring to the 2022 National Games, which will coincide with the 50th Meghalaya Day celebration, the Minister said, “Laban Sports Club, which is the oldest club, should lead the way by motivating the youth to participate in the event.”
On the other hand, the minister said the citizens of the country should not allow divisions even on religious lines.
Sports unite a country and do not discriminate among people on the basis of caste, creed or ethnic background, said Lyngdoh in his speech.
Expressing concern that the present generation is not too involved in sports, he said, “Youth should take up sports for the love of it.
Nowadays, it is difficult to motivate the youth to take up sports whereas the former generations were active in sports. It is a lucrative career, however, rewards come later.”
During the celebration, prizes were distributed among those who excelled in various competitions conducted by the club.
The club’s souvenir was also released.
