Tura, Nov 13: Backed by Rs. 20 lakh raised entirely by local residents, the second P.A. Sangma Memorial Football Tournament got underway today at the B.M. Model School Field in Bhaitbari, West Garo Hills, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurating the event and announcing a new school building and stadium for the area.
The Chief Minister thanked the people of Rajabala, and former Minister Abdus Saleh in particular, for organising the tournament in honour of the late Purno Agitok Sangma.
He said the event stands out because no single person, organisation or the Government is behind it.
Local people pooled together a total of Rs. 20 lakh to host it, which he called a remarkable gesture. On behalf of his mother, family and relatives, he thanked everyone for remembering the late P.A. Sangma in this way.
The Chief Minister said Abdus Saleh had told him that P.A. Sangma held his first meeting at this very place when he contested his first election in 1977. He said this made the occasion and the venue even more special.
Recalling a conversation with Saleh, he said he had asked whether hailstorms or strong winds had damaged the school’s rooftop. Saleh replied that the damage came from people climbing onto the roof to watch football matches. The Chief Minister said he was happy to see such passion for the game and stressed the need for a proper structure for spectators.
He said the Government is working to uplift sports and infrastructure, with more than 50 artificial turfs being built across the State, including in hilly areas. He added that the Government is also building the country’s biggest football stadium in Shillong, with a seating capacity of around 40,000.
Speaking of Abdus Saleh, the Chief Minister said Saleh has been close to the family since the time of the late P.A. Sangma, and that he regards him as his own uncle. He noted that in our culture, uncles are given great respect, and a request from an uncle should be fulfilled at once.
He committed to providing the people of the area with a new school building and a stadium, after consulting Government officials and public leaders and following due procedure.
He added that all the people of Meghalaya are his own, and that he is working to ensure equal development across the State.
The Chief Minister also invited the public to share suggestions or concerns by calling the CM Connect helpline at 1971. He said the calls are recorded and heard by officials, and by the Chief Minister himself, and are addressed accordingly.
