Nongpoh, Aug 3: After many years of anticipation, the people of Ri-Bhoi finally have a modern football ground with the artificial turf at Umbuda being inaugurated today.
The turf was inaugurated by cabinet minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun. Also in attendance was Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini, District Sports Officer Bobby L Nongbet, Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling and other dignitaries.
A friendly football match was then played between an Officers XI and MLAs XI.
The newly inaugurated artificial turf is expected to provide a major boost to football development in the district by offering players and young football enthusiasts access to a modern sporting facility.
The project has taken around 2 years to complete, with the Chief Minister unveiling the foundation stone in March 2024.
At the time the artificial turf was estimated to cost Rs 10.93 crore. The CM also said that Rs 13.88 crore has been allocated for a track and field stadium in Ri-Bhoi.
Until work on this project began Ri-Bhoi’s football fans feared that they had been forgotten by the state government when it came to big sports infrastructure projects. Numerous similar projects had been launched and even inaugurated in other parts of the state but Ri-Bhoi had, until now, missed out.
Having a good quality artificial pitch may pave the way for the Meghalaya State League to once again be co-hosted by Ri-Bhoi. The district was a venue for the inaugural edition in 2017 but has not reappeared since; on that occasion MSL matches were played on an earth pitch at Bhoirymbong.
(Photo contributed)