SHILLONG Jan, 19: A delegation of four members from the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) led by John F Kharshiing, the association’s working president, met the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum requesting support for its calendar and budget.
The memorandum includes seeking assistance in hosting the North East Olympics Games scheduled to be held in October, 2022, annual financial grants for equipment and training for the various state associations in compliance to the Meghalaya Sports Policy 2019, continuation of the talent identification program initiated in 2017, to identify the many hidden talents available in the state as indicated by initial analytics besides reports submitted by renowned Olympians and Edge10/ArmsPT (PRIMCO) for the state of Meghalaya, to conduct a 42k Marathon in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India.
The Chief Minister agreed to immediately look into the proposals that are in sync with the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Meghalaya in 2022 subject to close monitoring of the COVID-19 situation in the state.
The meeting also briefly discussed the draft Master Plan presented by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) and consultants to the MSOA besides requesting the Chief Minister to consider infrastructure for four sports disciplines – hockey, shooting, equestrian, and cycling (velodrome) in view of the likelihood of the timeline being extended for the 39th Meghalaya National Games.
The MSOA also impressed upon the Chief Minister for the urgent need of a permanent Meghalaya Olympic Bhavan for various activities of the MSOA.
Sangma assured the delegation that he would look into the matter and that another meeting would be held shortly to finalise the proposals in detail.
Others present during the meeting included Director Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, WAM Booth, chief engineer of Meghalaya State Sports Council B Syiem, E&Y consultant S Roka, gen secretary Finely Pariat, treasurer Ksan Warjri, and vice-president of MSOA Sebastian Swett.
