Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 55/25

SPORTS MINISTER, SHRI SHAKLIAR WARJRI, LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR SYNTHETIC FOOTBALL TURF

The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Dorbar Shnong Nongsder and Nongsder Social Cultural and Sports Association, successfully laid the foundation stone for the providing and installation of a synthetic football turf, including the construction of a sub-base, in Nongsder, Ri Bhoi District.

The ceremony was graced by Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon'ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest, Shri Damanbait Lamare, MLA of 12 - Umroi Constituency, attended as the Guest of Honour, with Shri D. P. Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, present as the Special Guest and Shri D. D. Shira, MCS, Director, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, and key officials from the sports department were present. Other attendees included village headman and members of the Dorbar Shnong, teachers and students.

Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon'ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, noted that within two years, this is the second artificial turf established in Ri Bhoi. He highlighted the growing prowess of Ri Bhoi's youth as football athletes. As the Sports Minister, he affirmed the government's commitment to fostering a comprehensive sporting ecosystem in the state. He emphasized that significant investments in the sports sector are driven by the belief that they will contribute to achieving long-term goals, which align with the state's sports policy. He also showcased the state government's achievements, including infrastructure development, successfully hosting three consecutive Meghalaya Games, and preparing to host the National Games in 2027. He assured that the turf would be completed within the targeted timeframe.

The Hon'ble Sports Minister felicitated Shri Jeffery Kharmawlong, from Nongsder, who won 2 Bronze Medal for India in the XXIII Asian Arm-Wrestling Championship, XXII Asian Para Arm Wrestling Championship 2025 at Delhi, India, from 3rd to 11 May 2025.

The Hon'ble MLA emphasised the importance of sports development in the state. He pointed out that this turf is the first of its kind in Eastern Ri Bhoi and encouraged the youth to use the football ground constructively. He stated that the foundation is not merely symbolic, as there is a firm commitment to completing the project within the targeted timeframe.

Shri D. P. Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary, expressed gratitude to the Nongsder village community. He highlighted that the Hon'ble Chief Minister had allocated 1000 crore for overall sports development in the current budget. The artificial turf will be built with the sanction of Rs 10 crore which includes proper fencing and infrastructure. The Chief Secretary encouraged the installation of lights and solar-powered systems, tailored to Ri Bhoi’s needs, and stressed the importance of utilizing the ground effectively upon completion.

He also advised community leaders to develop a revenue model to generate income once the project is finished. He pointed out that this would be the second artificial turf in Ri Bhoi and the first in Eastern Ri Bhoi. Finally, he urged that the project be completed by January 21, 2026, coinciding with Meghalaya Day.