EKHON |UKHRUL 17 Aug 2023: Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah inaugurated the first ever Synthetic Football Turf and Recreation Centre in Langdang in the presence of Ukhrul DC Kengoo Zuringla and Imphal Airport Director AAI, Chipemmi Keishing, District Project Director, UDCRMS/NERCORMP, Ukhrul Lily Rose Jajo, Ukhrul SP Ningshem Vashum and Ukhrul FC manager P Khareithan among others.
The new astro turf comprising of construction of synthetic football turf, a cafeteria and a change room with basic equipment was funded by the Airport Authority of India under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund at the cost of 1.35 Crore.
The initiative plans to train the rural young generation on football and produce National and International players. To motivate and train skill and interested youths in sports, the project was initiated with the help of Sir Ram when he was NEC Secretary.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Ram Muivah said Ukhrul FC was established in 2010 by a group of concerned people including himself, with late Peter Chiphang as president and him as secretary during his time at PWD.
He recalled how Tangkhuls were first football players among the people of the state since the days of Labour Corps during the WWI in France and mentioned prominent Tangkhul footballers like Kazipmi Maung, James, Aleng Shimrah as iconic soccer players from the district.
While he expressed his joy at the progress made by the football club over the past ten years, he shared that the club initially struggled to establish the ground facility.
He urged the present team of the club to take forward Ukhrul FC and promote football legacy of the district. He also lauded the present office bearers of the club for reviving the club to develop the district’s football talent and for their dedication in providing opportunities for emerging and aspiring local footballers.
The synthetic football turf ground and recreation center provides the necessary infrastructure and support that is essential for athletes to grow.
DC Kengoo who is also the chairman of NERCORMP/UDCRMS Ukhrul, said that there is a preconceived notion among most parents that only education can shape the future of their children, however at this age and time, sports can be taken up as a career option. She called on the youths to pursue their profession by utilising their skills and talents.
AD Chipemmi Keishing said that the project proposal submitted by UDCRMS in 2019 was approved and sanctioned by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) recognising the football potentials of Ukhrul district.
Lily Rose in her speech expressed gratitude on behalf of UDCRMS Ukhrul to Ram Muivah for his help as the secretary of the North East Council (NEC). The facility she said will encourage upcoming youngsters to hone their football skills.
Meanwhile, Ukhrul FC manager Khareithan pointed out that there’s acute lack of sports infrastructures in the district despite huge talents. He also challenged the public to give him five years to produce maximum number of football professionals.
The inauguration was also attended by KVK manager Dr. Solei Luiram, PHED EE Themreishang Marei, AI UADC Somi Raising and other government officials, Church elders, village leaders, and fraternal NGOs of the district.
MLA Ram Muivah also inaugurated the construction of Subji Mandi /Marketing Complex Block A, B and C in and C in Wino Bazar, adjacent TNL Office and Jessami Junction, Ukhrul town respectively. Ukhrul in the presence of Ukhrul DC Zuringla, Airport Director AAI, Chipemmi Keishing, President TNL David Shimray, Ayok Shatshang, President Western Tangkhul Naga Education Fund Conference, Wungkhayap Zimik, UDCRMS/NERCORMP, Ukhrul Lily Rose Jajo among others.
The project approved during retd IAS Ameising Luikham and formally sanctioned by MLA Ram Muivah at the cost 4.5 crore is to create a market place for young and aspiring entrepreneurs for inovative openings.
The market complex plans to promote the marketing sector and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in the rural areas of Tangkhuls, Ukhrul district.
Funded by NEC, Shillong to create a market place where the farmers, young entrepreneurs and value added products can be sold at right time, at right place and at right price, the complex plans to help self help groups and progressive farmers.
Lily Jajo encouraged the locals to avail this facility bring development and also urged locals to support the local farmers.
