By Our Reporter
Shillong, May 26: Meghalaya’s ambitious push to strengthen its sporting infrastructure gathered momentum on Tuesday as the Committee on Government Assurances of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly reviewed progress at three major projects, including the under-construction Mawkhanu Football Stadium, the indoor stadium at Umsawli and the Water Sports Centre at Umtham.
The inspection team, led by Committee Chairman Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, visited the sites in East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts to assess the pace of work and overall development of the facilities, which are expected to play a key role in boosting football and adventure sports in the state.
The biggest attraction remains the football-specific stadium at Mawkhanu in New Shillong. Once completed, the 40,000-capacity venue is expected to become one of the largest football stadiums in the country and a major landmark for the sport in the Northeast. Officials informed that the project, being implemented by KPC Projects Limited, is scheduled for completion by the latter part of 2028 in accordance with the tender agreement.
Members of the committee expressed satisfaction over the ongoing construction work and said the project reflects Meghalaya’s growing sporting ambitions. Tongkhar described the stadium as a matter of pride for the state and said the infrastructure being developed could significantly strengthen Meghalaya’s position as an emerging football hub in India.Apart from the football stadium, the committee also inspected the Water Sports Centre at Umtham in Ri-Bhoi district, where a dedicated canoe slalom course is being developed. Spread across 14 acres and estimated to cost around Rs 21 crore, the facility is expected to serve both as a national-level training centre and as a boost for adventure sports tourism in the state.
Umtham has steadily gained attention in recent years for activities such as river canoeing, kayaking and rafting, and the upcoming infrastructure is likely to further establish the area as a key destination for whitewater sports in the Northeast.
The delegation also reviewed the indoor sports infrastructure at Umsawli and noted the rapid pace of development in New Shillong, particularly in terms of connectivity and supporting infrastructure around the upcoming sports venues.
