TURA: The grassroot football centre for South West Garo Hills district under the State’s Mission Football was launched on Saturday by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma at Ampati student’s field near here. Dr Sangma was accompanied by Salmanpara MLA and Government Chief Whip Winnerson Sangma.
The centre is the second amongst ten such centres set to be opened throughout the state with the first one recently inaugurated at Diki Bandi Stadium, West Garo Hills, Tura. The centre will act as a platform for identifying, training and promoting talented football players at the grassroot level.
The government had launched Mission Football on 21 July last with the sole aim of turning the state into a football powerhouse by developing the sport at the grassroots level, as well as its infrastructure over the next five years.
A friendly match between Bhaichung Bhutia’s Royal Sikkum United Football Club and Garo Hills XI teams ended in a draw. Another highlight of the programme was the musical treat by renowned musicians from Garo Hills. Grassroot football players also displayed their football skills in a synchronized drill during the launch.
Speaking on Mission Football Dr Sangma stated that football was a sport that fosters goodwill and that it had the power to unite people. The mission aims at identifying raw talent and develop them through a robust and comprehensive process, the Chief Minister stated. speaking on the abundance of talented players in the state Dr Sangma said that mission football would transform Meghalaya into a football powerhouse and enable players to compete at national and international levels.
He urged all stakeholders and especially parents to inspire their talented children to take up football as a career opportunity and promote the game through active participation.
The Chief Minister also informed that preparations for the football state league was on and urged concerned clubs, organisations etc., to participate in the tourney.
Also addressing the gathering Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Matsiewdor War Nongbri stated that the grassroot football centre will provide an opportunity for young talents a platform to hone their skills and enhance their chances to pursue football as a profitable career.