SHILLONG, Jan 12: Residents of Lawmali Pyllun on Thursday erupted in joy after a new football ground was dedicated to them after the old football ground was taken over by the Health department to be utilised in the fight against COVID-19.
The football ground was inaugurated by North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum in the presence of former Health Minister AL Hek, Director of Health Services (MI) Dr. HC Lyndem, Rangbah Shnong of Lawmali Pyllun B Khongwir, among others.
It may be mentioned that the old football ground, which had once nurtured several talented players over the years, became a victim of COVID-19 pandemic after the Health department in 2021 took over the same to set up a Prefab COVID-19 Centre.
It was after this, the Lawmali Pyllun Dorbar Shnong and Lawmali Pyllun Sports Club had expressed their resentment over this decision of the Health department, which had afflicted local youths.
The members of both the Dorbar Shnong and Sports Club, with the support of the local MLA, then continued to pursue the matter with former health minister AL Hek and former DHS (MI) Dr Aman War.
Finally, in June last year the Health department allowed the Lawmali Dorbar Shnong to use a vacant plot of land adjacent to the Pasteur Institute on a temporary basis.
The decision was taken following a joint inspection conducted by senior officials of the Health department and district administration in the presence of the members of the Lawmali Pyllun Dorbar Shnong.
As per the minutes of the joint inspection, it has been clearly mentioned that Dorbar Shnong Lawmali Pyllun will have to immediately hand over the piece of land when the Health department has to utilise it.
The football ground earlier at Lawmali Pyllun was famous for having successfully hosted several football tournaments since the 90s and produced top footballers like Kyrshan Lyngdoh, Shem Sohktung, Aibiang Mame Nongneng and Torilang Wanniang, among others, who have gone on to play for several national-level clubs.
Earlier, while addressing the gathering before inaugurating the newly inaugurated ground, the North Shillong local MLA lauded both Hek and Dr. War for heeding the request of both the Dorbar Shnong and Sports Club.
Nongrum also informed that a total amount of Rs 35 lakh has already been earmarked for further development of the football ground.
He stressed that the government needs to develop more sports infrastructure for the best interest of the state youths.
