Sports body urges Zenith to upgrade infra in Tura

TURA: The Tura Sports Association has urged Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Zenith M. Sangma to upgrade sports infrastructure here.

During the budget session in the Assembly in March, the minister had spoken of constructing a new indoor stadium and renovation of the existing Youth Hostel at Allotgre.

In a letter to the minister, the association said the Government should not spend time and money in looking for a new site and instead revive the construction of the stadium at Allotgre and complete it before the National Games in the State in 2022.

Zenith had earlier suggested a new stadium

Representatives of the Tura Sports Association (TSA) in their letter to Sangma, recalled his earlier announcement of a probable site for the construction of new stadium at Asibra and/or Ganol Songma.

On the upgrade of the Dikki Bandi Stadium, the members reminded Sangma about the assurance made two years back at the stadium’s complex, that a substantial amount of money had been designated for its immediate upgrade, out of which, more than Rs 3 crore had been sanctioned for initial work. TSA pointed out that only some extension work on the gallery has been completed.

The renovation of the now dilapidated Youth Hostel at Allotgre has also been sought. The members suggested that a technical team from the concerned department is to assess the damage and prepare a detailed estimate for its renovation at the earliest.

Another suggestion that was put forth by the members was on the construction of the recreational centre cum association’s office, which could be done in the heart of the town near the District Library at Ringrey.

Other demands made in the representation included construction of a new indoor stadium as the existing one is too small and lacking basic facilities along with a recreational centre cum Tura Sports Association office.