Shillong, Sep 24 (Agency) Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh on Friday announced a financial support of Rs. One crore for any football club from the state that qualify for the Indian Super League. He also announced cash incentives to Football Cubs of the State to the tune of Rs 10 lakhs for those qualifying for 2nd Division I-League and Rs 40 Lakhs for those qualifying for I-League. The announcement was made by the minister at the send-off programme to the team members of Ryntih Sports and Cultural Club who are all set to participate in the Hero League Qualifiers, which will begin from October 4 to 25 in Bangalore. Lyngdoh handed a cheque of Rs 2 lakh to Ryntih Sports and Cultural Club at the programme held at the VIP Gallery at JN Sports Complex, Polo in presence of AIFF vice-president Larsing Ming Sawyan and officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs. The balance of Rs 8 lakh will follow “in due course of time”.
Reiterating the need to revive the football scene in the State, the Sports Minister rued the fact that many football clubs of the State have not been able to sustain themselves over the years due to financial constraints. “The lack of Government support has further aggravated the problem,” he said, even as he shared words of encouragement for the members of Ryntih Sports and Cultural Club and underscored the importance of team spirit and a fighting spirit to achieve their goals. Lyngdoh further informed that a tender amounting to 34 Crore has been called for the up-gradation of the J N Sports Complex which will include replacing artificial with natural turf and state of the art upgradation of the overall facilities within the complex.
“An indoor multipurpose sports complex will also be constructed on the 5th ground costing about Rs. 100 crore,” he said, adding that the Complex will house facilities like swimming pool, basketball, tennis courts and many other indoor games facilities. Lyngdoh said such initiatives will also be taken in different Districts so as to hone the skills of the youth of the State and give them a platform to showcase their prowess. “Besides football, the Government is also dedicated to uplift and support disciplines like boxing, archery, athletics etc, which will go a long way in developing the sportspersons of the State,” the Sports Minister said.