TURA: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma has assured to develop the Chandmary Playground in Tura by equipping it with artificial turf.
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister on Tuesday in the presence of sports minister Zenith Sangma and a host of other dignitaries including football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, who was in Tura to attend the grand finale of Freedom Fest 2017.
“The government is keen to develop football in the state from the grassroots level and among the initiatives to be taken to promote the game is to develop the sports infrastructure in the state,” Sangma said.
Sangma also launched the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools – a William Initiative, which is an academy that would provide coaching for players between the age group of 6-15 years.
As part of freedom fest – final match of Bhaichung Bhutia Champions Cup and Freedom Challenge Cup was held at Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School playground here, which was attended by a spectacular crowd of over 7000.
In the two finals that were played, Boca Juniors defeated Chandmary FC with 3-0 goals to lift the Bhaichung Bhutia under-15 Champions Cup, while Selsella FC defeated United Asanang with 3-2 goals to lift the Freedom Challenge Cup 2017.
Interacting with media on the launch of Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) – a William Initiative in Tura, Bhutia said, “With this partnership, we are hopeful that we can bring out players from the Garo hills and skill them to the highest standard”.
He also remarked that coaches from BBFS, New Delhi would monitor the centre at Tura and would provide right platform to ensure that they reap the benefit from the coaching centre.
On expansion of BBFS in North East, he stated that there were many clubs who were already doing good work in development of football but given an opportunity and right partners, the academy is willing to expand its base.
“We are waiting for right partners and hopefully in near future we will be able to start an academy and coaching centres across different states of the North East”, he added.