Shillong: The notice tabled by M.L.A. Shri Hima Shangpliang during the Meghalaya autumn cabinet session called the attention of the house to discuss "MSOA plans to produce Olympians by 2028."
The session highlights the State Government and Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) plan to produce Olympians by 2028.
The notice presented in the house stated, "85 % of the population is under 45 years of age, 74 % is under 35 years of age, and 59 % is under 25 years of age. If granted the right opportunities, this vast proportion of the young population could become the key agent for social reform, economic development, and technological innovation."
The State Sports Policy and the State Youth Policy frameworks are outlined around promoting sports to reach ambitious excellence and enhance overall well-being.
The State government has taken several measures for uplifting the youths in fulfilling the dreams of producing Olympians. Have a look at the steps taken by the Meghalaya government under the notice:
Sports Infrastructure Development and Upgradation
The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has begun developing world-class sports infrastructure in several parts of the state. The infrastructure will be equipped with world-class facilities to nurture the talents.
To implement these ideas, the government will work upon the upgradation and enhancement of the J.N.S. Sports Complex Shillong, P.A Sangma Integrated Sports Complex, Wahiajer Outdoor Stadium, West Jaintia Hills District, Ampati Outdoor Stadium, South West Garo Hills District.
Additionally, the 57 grassroots level sports infrastructure projects amounting to INR 20.72 crores are under the drives taken by the government. In total, the government has initiated sports infrastructure plans with a cumulative expenditure of around INR 500 Cr.
Competitions and Tournaments
The hosting of the national competitions will play a vital role in encouraging the State athletes to compete and deliver laurels for the state.
The notice reads, "The State government, in close coordination with the MSOA and the various State sports federations, is in the process of presenting candidatures for hosting various international/national/regional games in the year 2022 as we celebrate the golden jubilee year of Statehood."
Centres of Excellence
It was notified that the building centers of excellence with state-of-the-art sports science facilities and a skilled technical workforce are an indispensable part of producing champions.
The J.N.S Stadium Complex in Shillong has been granted the accreditation of a Centre of Excellence under the Sports Ministry's flagship program Khelo India. More than 10 centers have received accreditation from the Khelo India scheme as district-level small Khelo India centers.
Support to State Sports Associations
The sports department has been handling coordination workshops to understand the support they need for sports facilities, participation in national/regional level competitions, and recruitment of technical workforce.
It stated, "We are in the process of forming a scheme in line with the Sports Policy for extending well-organized support to the MSOA and the numerous State Sports Associations."
Talent Identification and Development
A significant measure for producing Olympians is to recognize the right talent from the appropriate age groups.
The notice stated, "We are putting in place a talent classification and development programs in coordination with the MSOA. Under the programme a huge number of children under various age groups would be screened and those exhibiting potential would be directed into more structured training schedules. This programme shall be conducted utilizing globally trusted online and offline testing methods."
Notably, the government is strongly dedicated to creating this vision a reality. The state will fund the resources and cooperate with the different stakeholders. It will also connect with the Government of India, the state sports associations, and other external forces for the upliftment of the MOSA plan.
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