Shillong: Meghalaya Prime Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday congratulated 188 medalists and 54 coaches of the 2nd North East Olympic Games (NEOG) 2022. He also launched the Sports Scholarship Scheme at a program to be held today at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong hosted by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs .
The Chief Minister congratulated and thanked all athletes who won medals at the recently concluded 2nd NEOG. He said the congratulatory program is a celebration of the achievements of the athletes who brought laurels not only to their families, but also to the state. He also praised the coaches and members of the sports federation for their hard work, dedication and assistance to the athletes.
While emphasizing that the youth is the greatest strength of the state with a population of 12 lakh in the 12-30 age group, the government should channel the energy of youths in various capacities to stop them from wasting their energy in destructive ways. use, he said. He also highlighted the various youth-friendly programs initiated by the government, such as the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program, Aspire Program and others.
He also stressed the need for the state to invest in sports infrastructure and build arenas at the international level to propel the athletes to greater heights. While communicating that the renovated JN Sports Indoor Stadium and PA Sangma Indoor Stadium will be coming soon, he hoped that the athletes would get better platforms and opportunities to bring more laurels to the state and country in national and international competitions.
The Chief Minister also launched the Sports Scholarship Scheme during the programme. This will provide a monthly scholarship to athletes who medal at regional or national competitions, apart from the one-time cash prize. The scheme supports athletes and invests in their various sporting needs. The NEOG athletes will be the first beneficiaries of this scheme.
The program was also attended by Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, S Awasthi, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, and John F Kharshiing, Acting President, MSOA, among others.
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