Shillong, March 21: Indian Chamber of Commerce In association with North Eastern Council, Ministry of DoNER, Govt of India organized the 2nd North east Sports Conclave at Shillong, Meghalaya on the 21st of March 2017.
The Summit discussed the scope & potential of Sports in North East, highlighted the inadequacy in sports infrastructure in the region and discussed various corrective measures and laid emphasis in the strategic plan to address the need for a differentiated approach for sports according to the potential needs of each sport, discussed the roadmap and how to create an environment where sports become a viable career option for the youth of the NE region.
In the inaugural session the dignitaries present were Shri Ram Muivah, Secretary, North Eastern Council, Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India ,Dr. Subhash Basumatary, Director, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Regional Centre, Guwahati, Shri T. Meren Paul, Secretary General, Nagaland Olympic Association, Shri J. F. Kharshiing, Working President, Meghalaya State Olympic Association. Secretary NEC felt that the need for recognition of youth talent at the grassroots level and stressed that NEC would like develop proactive measures for promotion of sorts in North east India. He also said that NEC had provided funds for development of Sports Stadium. He also pointed that sports schools should be developed in each of the North Eastern states of India and Business houses, corporate, Government Bodies and sports associations should collaborate for Promotion of sports and create a road map for overall development of spots among the young Generation.
In the technical session Shri Bhaichung Bhutia, Footballer, Ex-Captain, Team India , Shri Larsing Ming Sawyan Vice President of AIFF, President of Meghalaya Football Association, President of Shillong Lajong FC, Shri Renedy Singh, Assistant Coach, FC Pune City (ISL), President, Football Players’ Association of India, Shri Siile Anthony, Director (HRD&E), North Eastern Council gave their independent views for building an ecosystem for nurturing sports in North East.Mr Bhutia particularly was extremely happy to be present during the conclave and said that he would be very happy to lend his expertise for developing young footballers from the North eastern Region. he spoke in length about the football academy which is he running and encouraged youngsters to take up football as a passion and follow their dreams. Shri Siile Anthony, Director (HRD&E), North Eastern Council spoke about changing the mindset of the society and taking up sports as a career option. The conclave was attended by number of sports associations from the state of Meghalaya which included Badminton, Chess, Boxing, Athletics , Football, swimming, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Taekwondo to name a few and young sports aspirants from Shillong.
