Shillong, May 14: Shillong Public School took another step towards strengthening its sporting infrastructure with the inauguration of the renovated SPS Tynrai Football Arena at Laitumkhrah on Thursday.
The upgraded facility is part of the school’s collaboration with Tynrai Academy aimed at promoting sports alongside academics and providing students with improved training opportunities.
To mark the occasion, a friendly football match was organised between officials of the Directorate of School Education and Literacy and students of Shillong Public School, with the event highlighting the growing emphasis on sports participation and community engagement in educational institutions.
Speaking at the programme, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing talent from a young age, adding that sports today offers far greater opportunities than before.
He noted that athletes are increasingly able to pursue stable careers through their performances at national and international competitions.
Rymbui also pointed to Meghalaya’s untapped sporting potential, saying the state has the ability to produce athletes capable of competing at the highest levels if given the right guidance, infrastructure and support.
Drawing comparisons with neighbouring Manipur’s success in producing Olympians and international athletes, he said Meghalaya too could emerge as a strong sporting state in the future.
The minister cited the example of Meghalaya athlete Matsiewdor War, who represented India at the Asian Games, and encouraged students to remain committed to their goals both on and off the field.
Director of School Education and Literacy Banteilang Kharshandi said balancing academics with sports is vital for the all-round development of students. He informed that the football arena project was completed within three months following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Education and Sports departments earlier this year.
Kharshandi added that similar projects could help strengthen sports culture in schools across Meghalaya by providing students with better facilities and opportunities to participate in organised sporting activities.
