Shillong, Sept 8: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday felicitated Miss Sanfida Nongrum, conferring on her the title of ‘Achiever of the Month’ in the Sports Edition, at a program held in the city.
She was recognised for her remarkable achievements and outstanding contribution to Indian football over the past year.
Alongside Nongrum, 47 outstanding sportspersons from various disciplines were also felicitated during the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the ‘Achiever of the Month’ initiative was aimed at recognising and supporting the achievements of individuals across different fields, adding that it served to motivate and appreciate their efforts.
The chief minister noted that sports remained a key focus area for the government, with increased budgetary allocation and significant investment in the sector in recent years. He recalled that the sports sector had once struggled, with associations largely running on passion and minimal government backing. “A few years back the sports sector was facing challenges and difficulties with sports associations carrying on with their activities out of love and passion for the sports with little or no support from the government,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government had since worked to streamline the sector, investing in sports infrastructure across the state and extending support to associations, coaches and individual athletes. He described the state’s Sports Policy as “not merely a policy document but a vision document” guiding the government’s efforts going forward.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to the state’s youth, Sangma said all government programs and spending in this area amounted to investment rather than expenditure. “Every program we have, every single penny we spend is not an expenditure but an investment in the future of our state that is our youth,” he said.
Congratulating the athletes felicitated at the event, the Chief Minister said sporting achievement extended beyond medals and recognition. “Sports is a way of life and your journey does not end here and I encourage you to lead by example,” he said.
During the program, the Chief Minister also interacted with athletes, coaches and representatives present, fielding questions and suggestions on issues including support for athletes competing in national and international tournaments, and incentives for medal-winning sportspersons.
