By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Athletics Association (MAA) has decided not to participate in senior national athletics meet for the next few years to concentrate in grooming young talents.
The MAA has taken this call after reviewing the performance of the athletes at the recently concluded State Athletics Meet held at Tura.
“At present the State does not have talents to compete at any senior level meet. We do not want to send our athletes just for the sake taking part in any event,” MAA general secretary Finely Pariat told reporters here on Wednesday.
He said the MAA has taken this decision to concentrate in harnessing young talents who would serve the State in the future.
“We are totally impressed with those who participated in the under-14 and under-16 level in both boys and girls category.,” Pariat said adding that this is for the first time that we have conducted the State Athletes meet for the under-14 and under 16 categories.
MAA general secretary also pointed out that it is satisfying to see that the junior athletes who shined in the recently concluded athletic meet were mostly from Ri-Bhoi, Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills.
“I am confident that the State is going to have athletes who would be able to make the state proud through their performance in national events,” Pariat said adding that the MAA would pursue with the District Sport Officers (DSOs) of the various districts to arrange training for the young athletes.
Meanwhile, he informed that Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on the concluding day of the Tura meet had announced a scholarship for those athletes who had won medals in the event.
According to Pariat, the Government would be providing a monthly scholarship of Rs 2500 to gold medalists, Rs 2000 for those who won the silver and Rs 1500 for bronze medal winners.
Meanwhile, he informed that the State would be sending its contingent to participate in the various junior athletics meet to be held in various parts of the country.
A team of junior athletes will be sent to participate in the National Youth Athletics Championship to be held in Bangalore.
