Shillong, Sep 25: In order to highlight the importance of sports in ensuring holistic education, a conference was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here today.
The event brought together top names operating in various segments of education and sport where stakeholders could discuss on the most suitable courses of action for boosting sporting prospects for children in Meghalaya.
Present were civil servants from the Education and Sports & Youth Affairs departments, Shillong MP Vincent Pala, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan. Also present were entrepreneur, Meghalaya Football Association President and All India Football Federation Vice-President Larsing Ming Sawyan and Executive Director of Bethany Society Carmo Noronha.
Noted sports personalities of the state – footballer Aiborlang Khongjee and karateka Linza Fenny Syiem – were also felicitated for their contribution to sport. Syiem was not present as but her sister Elleenza collected it on her behalf.
Noronha’s presentation on inclusive sports was especially interesting and he called for the need to segregate deaf, blind/visually impaired and other children during sports or other activities. Bethany Society had introduced blind football to Shillong a few years ago and several top blind footballers have already been produced from the state, including Hilter Khongphai, who was present and made a short speech on his journey into the game.
While delivering the inaugural address Lyngdoh said, “It is imperative that schools impart physical training, provide access to sports infrastructure after school hours and make the right appointments of physical education teachers to take sports in the right direction.”
Pala said, “We have received a great response from the Sports Ministry of Meghalaya under the dynamic leadership of our Sports Minister which has resulted in so many success stories in sports for Meghalaya.”
(TSR photo. Shillong MP Vincent Pala (right) felicitates Aiborlang Khongjee (centre). Assam Rifles Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan is on the left)
