SHILLONG, Oct 31: Ahead of its 50th year in February 2025, the Umpling Sports Club on Thursday kick-started its year-long celebration on Thursday with a short ceremony of flag hoisting and sale of works around the Umpling Dorbar Shnong premises.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Syiem was the chief guest on the occasion.
Having been the former MLA of Mawryngkneng constituency before he lost the 2023 election, Syiem had initiated the construction of a mini stadium at the Umpling football ground and also proposed a multi-purpose indoor stadium where the youth can have space for recreation.
Addressing the gathering, the KHADC CEM rued the slow progress of the construction work for the mini stadium and urged the Dorbar Shnong and the Umpling Sports Club to supervise the work so that things move faster.
He also encouraged the leaders of the Sports Club to provide career guidance programmes and skill training besides honing sporting talents since employment outside the government sector requires hard work and dedication from the youths.
Syiem pointed to the fund available with the deputy commissioner under the Yes Meghalaya scheme for building the resilience of young people, so they do not succumb to substance abuse.
Stating that youths should learn that hard work alone pays, Syiem said, “A lot of construction work is coming up in Meghalaya and there is a demand for construction workers but our youths don’t want to do such work. So contractors are forced to bring in workers from outside the state.”
He also announced that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs towards the year-long celebration.
President of the Umpling Sports Club, Lewis Jyrwa, pointed out that Umpling had always done well in sporting events. In the last North East Games, out of 13 sportspersons sent by the Club, 11 brought medals at the state level and national level.
He also stated that the idea of the sale of work is an attempt to raise funds internally so that the Club becomes self-reliant.
Club Secretary KJ Sanglyne stated that Umpling Sport Club had graduated to Second Division in the state-level football league. He was confident that by next year, Umpling would graduate to the first division, judging by the passion and commitment of the footballers.
Rangbah Shnong, Umpling Dorbar, SF Pyngrope lauded the different schools within the jurisdiction of Umpling who were present at the 50th year initiation ceremony and who had set up different stalls to raise funds for the Umpling Sports Club.
He said this cooperation shown by all the schools augers well for the promotion of sports and allied activities in the village. He assured the Umpling Sports Club that the Dorbar Shnong would always work hand in hand with the Club.
On the occasion, the students of Joyville pre-primary cum playschool in Umpling presented an action song which delighted the audience.
The stalls put up for sale of works included handmade products like hand-knitted Christmas decorations and several knick-knacks besides food and snacks stalls.
