SHILLONG, MAY 26: The Committee on Government Assurances on Tuesday conducted site inspections of three key sports infrastructure projects in Meghalaya — the Mawkhanu Football Stadium, the indoor stadium at Umsawli, and the Water Sports Facilities at Umtham.

Committee Chairman and MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar led the delegation, accompanied by members Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLA of East Shillong, Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, MLA of Umsning, and Ollan Singh Suin, MLA of Mawsynram.

Officials present included Mawryngkneng BDO Sanjay D. Shira, Chief Engineer (Sports) Manhiam Marbaniang, and representatives from KPC Projects Limited, which is executing the Mawkhanu stadium.

Speaking after the visit to Mawkhanu, Tongkhar said, “We must thank Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for his initiative in bringing this project to Meghalaya.”

He added, “Tongkhar said he was proud that the biggest football ground in India is being built in the state.”

The Mawkhanu Football Stadium is a 40,000-capacity football-specific facility under construction in New Shillong, East Khasi Hills. The ₹732-crore project is part of the state government’s push to establish Meghalaya as a major football hub. The tender agreement sets the completion deadline for the latter part of 2028.

The Committee Chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and said the project is expected to be completed on time.

The panel also reviewed progress at the Water Sports Centre in Umtham, Ri-Bhoi, and the tennis court at Umsawli.

Umtham is being developed as the state’s premier whitewater adventure destination, with a ₹21-crore, 14-acre dedicated canoe slalom course planned as a national training facility.

Commenting on New Shillong’s broader development, Tongkhar said, “It surprised me and the other members to see the development taking place here in New Shillong.”

He added that he hopes all projects undertaken in New Shillong will be completed on time so that citizens can use the infrastructure being created.