Tura’s Rs 16.02 crore athletic marvel opens doors to National sporting events

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 13, 2024

The Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletics Stadium in Tura was inaugurated on Friday, signaling a significant moment for sports in the city. Named after freedom fighter Pa Togan Sangma, the state-of-the-art stadium, built at a cost of Rs. 16.02 crores, stands as a tribute to his legacy and aims to inspire youth in pursuing their dreams with determination.

Dignitaries at the event included Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A. Sangma, Shakliar Warjri, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Housing, PHE & Soil & Energy Conservation, John F. Kharshiing, Working President, Meghalaya Sports Olympic Association, Director of Sports & Youth Welfare Isawanda Laloo, Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, and Finely. L. Pariat, General Secretary, Meghalaya Athletics Association.

The stadium features an eight-lane synthetic athletic track meeting international standards and an administrative block. It is poised to become a hub for sporting excellence, fostering the growth of budding champions. Completed in time, the infrastructure positions Tura to host the 5th Meghalaya Games 2024, demonstrating its readiness for national sporting events. The stadium had previously successfully hosted the North East Olympics with over 4000 athletes from 8 states.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the region’s athletic potential and the government’s investment in grassroots sports, envisioning expansion into other sporting disciplines. The stadium is part of a larger initiative with over 200 new sports infrastructures being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crores. The government aims to promote sports and community engagement across the state.

The stadium’s significance extends beyond medals and victories, symbolizing the government’s commitment to nurturing sports talents. The STAR program identifies talents and channels them into the Elite Pathway Program, aligning with the ambitious vision of nurturing Olympians for India by 2032. The inauguration of the Pa Togan Nengminja Athletics Stadium represents a new era in sporting excellence, reflecting unity, dedication, and community spirit.