Mawkyrwat, March 27: After a wait of more than 16 years, work on a synthetic athletic track at Sakwang village, around 5 km from Mawkyrwat, was formally set in motion with the foundation stone being laid by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Friday.
The project, estimated to cost over Rs 13 crore, is expected to provide a major boost to athletics infrastructure in South West Khasi Hills district, where access to standard training facilities has remained limited. The demand for such a facility dates back over a decade, when local residents had first sought improved sporting infrastructure in recognition of the area’s contribution to athletics.Sakwang is known as the home village of international marathoner Beningstar Lyngkhoi, and the proposed track is seen as a significant step towards nurturing talent from the region. Officials said the facility would help provide a structured training environment for athletes and encourage greater participation among youth.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister emphasised the need to ensure timely completion of the project without compromising on quality, while also calling on local stakeholders to take responsibility for maintaining the facility once completed.
Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar termed the development a long-awaited milestone for the district, expressing hope that improved infrastructure would pave the way for more athletes from the region to emerge at the state and national levels.
