Damas (Meghalaya), May 18: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a ₹3.44 crore mini stadium at Damas, calling it a “solemn promise kept” to the youth of North Garo Hills. The programme, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs at Sacred Heart Secondary School, was attended by Tourism, Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira, MTDC Chairman and Mendipathar MLA Marthon D. Sangma, Kharkutta MLA Rupert M. Momin, officials, students, and local residents.
Sangma said the long-pending demand for a dedicated sports facility has now been fulfilled, with the new mini stadium set to transform the existing ground into a multi-purpose arena with a covered gallery, open seating, and upgraded play areas. He said it will “break geographic barriers and enable our athletes to participate in district, inter-district, and inter-state competitions,” giving local talent the exposure they deserve.
The Chief Minister outlined the government’s broader sports vision of delivering 510 infrastructure projects by 2028 to produce athletes for the 2032 Olympics, adding that “No district, no block, no locality is left behind.” He noted over ₹400 crore has been committed to 53 projects in Garo Hills, with nine projects worth ₹33.81 crore taken up in North Garo Hills since 2018 across stadiums, basketball courts, and indoor facilities. He also announced an additional ₹5 crore for Resubelpara Stadium, taking its cost to ₹8.50 crore.
Pointing to local achievers, Sangma cited Henry A. Sangma of Babukhona who won bronze at the North East Olympic Games, and Cherim Ch Sangma of Bajengdoba who progressed through the STAR Programme to the Advanced Athletics Programme. He said many youth have natural sporting talent but lack training and infrastructure, and urged parents to support children pursuing sports. The government, he added, is providing scholarships, jobs for medal winners, and support to associations, and called on North Garo Hills to prepare for the upcoming National Games. “The infrastructure is being constructed, the scientific scouting systems are actively running, the funding is fully deployed, and the framework has been built for you. Now it is your turn to step onto this field, dare to dream big, and claim your place on the global stage,” he told students.
Minister Timothy D. Shira said the stadium reflects the government’s commitment to youth and will help nurture skills and bring glory to the district and state. He also spoke on livelihood and entrepreneurship initiatives, urging youth to take pride in studies, sports, and farming, and advised farmers to adopt multi-cropping, scientific practices, and training to tackle issues like bud rot.
As part of the event, MOVCDNER vehicles for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 batches, along with power tillers under the State Plan Scheme for Farm Mechanization 2025–26, were flagged off. Provided with 75 percent subsidy, the vehicles aim to strengthen transport and market linkages for farmers and producer groups and support the organic agriculture value chain in the region.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini, a welcome song by Sacred Heart Secondary School students, and remarks by District Agriculture and Horticulture Officer Victor Kharbuki. Damas Higher Secondary School students presented a cultural dance, certificates were given to sportspersons, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tennystar R. Marak.
