Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma opened the second P.A. Sangma Memorial Football Tournament on Friday, November 13. The event took place at the B.M. Model School Field in Bhaitbari, West Garo Hills. The tournament honors his late father, former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma.
Local residents raised Rs 20 lakh to fund the event. No government department or single individual footed the bill. The Chief Minister praised this community-led effort during his address. He noted, "Attended the second season of the P. A. Sangma Memorial Football Tournament at Rajabala, a wonderful community-led initiative that celebrates Meghalaya's passion for football while providing a platform for young talents from Rajabala LAC and West Garo Hills to showcase their skills."
The venue carries historical weight for the Sangma family. Former minister Abdus Saleh reminded the Chief Minister that his father held his maiden election meeting at this exact field in 1977. The Chief Minister and Saleh share a tight bond, with Sangma viewing the former minister as an uncle. During the event, Sangma learned locals often climb onto the B.M. Model School rooftop to watch matches. He promised to provide a new school building and a stadium for the locality after following proper procedures.
The government remains focused on infrastructure. Over 50 artificial football turfs are currently under construction across the state. Furthermore, officials are building the country's largest football stadium in Shillong, which will house 40,000 spectators.
The Chief Minister credited the success of this tournament to the organizing committee, Village Employment Councils, and Village Management Committees of Rajabala LAC. He encouraged citizens to report local concerns to the CM Connect helpline at 1971, noting that he reviews the calls personally to ensure progress.
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