SHILLONG: Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh said that the Meghalaya government was fully committed towards the successful hosting of National Games 2022, which would be the Game changer for the youths and people of the State.
He said the Meghalaya National Games Organising Committee (Meghalaya NGOC), chaired by the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was actively pursuing the matter to meet its timelines Addressing the annual general meeting of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) here yesterday, Lyngdoh informed that the Land Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary Y Tsering, would shortly put up their recommendations on the possible venues for the Games Village and other venues after which the Meghalaya NGOC would take the final call.
On the fund crunch faced by the State Associations since last two years, Lyngdoh, an ardent footballer himself, said that he has reviewed the situation and the department would shortly be releasing the grant-in-aid to the State Associations and assured that the State Government will ensure continued support to the promotion of sports activities.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Sports Department, and members of the Working Group for its work on progress of the Draft Sports Policy and stated that he understands that the Working Group has had numerous meetings and discussions with Health department, on issues such as Sports Medicine and with Education department on incentives for students taking up Sports, the urgent need for qualified Physical Instructors, Coaches, in schools, Colleges, Universities, infrastructure in Educational Institutes, and stated that the draft sports policy and the youth policy which is in public domain, is almost ready to be forwarded to the Government to take a final call.
The Sports Minister informed that his Department is examining the idea for Meghalaya Games and requested the MSOA Executive Council, to put up the proposal so that it could be considered during 2019. He also informed that the State government is reviewing the incentive of the State Awards to National and International medal winners.
On this matter the House suggested that the Department of Sports should consider differentiating the Sports State Awards from Zonal, National and International in Olympic and Non Olympic disciplines as it was unfair to equate Olympic International medal with a Non-Olympic International Medal. MSOA Working President, John F Kharshiing thanked Lyngdoh for the consideration of grant-in-aid to the State Associations, as they were under tremendous pressure, and assured that the State Associations are all eager to take things forward to make efforts in producing champions. (UNI)
