Shillong, May 13 : A new synthetic football turf project was launched in Nongsder, Ri Bhoi District, marking a significant development for the region’s sports infrastructure. The foundation stone laying ceremony was a collaborative effort between the Meghalaya Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, the Dorbar Shnong Nongsder, and the Nongsder Social Cultural & Sports Association.
The event was graced by the presence of Meghalaya’s Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri, as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Damanbait Lamare, MLA of 12 – Umroi Constituency, D. P. Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, and Shri D D Shira, MCS, Director of the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, along with village elders, teachers, and students.
Shakliar Warjri highlighted that this is the second artificial turf project in Ri Bhoi within two years, emphasizing the growing football talent among the district’s youth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing a comprehensive sporting ecosystem in the state, driven by substantial investments aimed at achieving long-term goals outlined in the state’s sports policy. The Minister also showcased the government’s achievements, including infrastructure development, the successful hosting of three consecutive Meghalaya Games, and preparations for hosting the National Games in 2027. He assured that the turf project would be completed on schedule.
A key moment of the ceremony was the felicitation of Jeffery Kharmawlong, a local athlete who won two Bronze medals for India at the XXIII Asian Arm Wrestling Championship and the XXII Asian Para Arm Wrestling Championship 2025, held in Delhi from May 3rd to 11th, 2025.
Damanbait Lamare, MLA, stressed the importance of sports development and noted that the new turf will be the first of its kind in Eastern Ri Bhoi. He encouraged local youth to make full use of the facility and assured that the project would be completed within the targeted timeframe.
D P Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary, expressed gratitude to the Nongsder community and stated that the Hon’ble Chief Minister has allocated ₹1000 crore for overall sports development in the current budget. The artificial turf project is sanctioned with ₹10 crore, covering fencing and other necessary infrastructure. He suggested incorporating lighting and solar-powered systems appropriate for Ri Bhoi and emphasized the need for a revenue model to ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability. The Chief Secretary pointed out that this will be the second artificial turf in Ri Bhoi and the first in Eastern Ri Bhoi. He urged that the project be completed by January 21, 2026, coinciding with Meghalaya Day.
