Shillong, Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday said that the foundation is interested in developing sporting infrastructure for 2022 national games to be hosted by Meghalaya.
“We would love to talk to the government and help in every way possible for the national games … and of course now with the national games coming up in 2022 the whole nation is excited and looking towards Meghalaya for this large sporting event,” She told reporters here in Meghalaya.
Ambani was in Shillong to witness the football match of the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports’ School Girls City final held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex. The girls’ final was played between Nongkrem Presbyterian Secondary School and Nongkrem Higher Secondary School.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Bollywood actor and owner of North East United Football Club, John Abraham also witnessed the football match.
“It was great meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and I think the impetus is going to be on sports and building infrastructure for sports and we also favour with john building a sports academy in Meghalaya which will be wonderful and of course now with the national games coming up in 2022,” she said.
Meghalaya will be hosting the 2022 National Games.However, paucity of time and acquiring land for setting up infrastructure are major challenges for the state.
The Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation said that 109 schools from Meghalaya alone participated in this year’s tournament even as she added that the state is “so rich in talent”.
Ambani also said that this season of Indian Super League (ISL) there are 55 players from northeast. so this just shows there is so much talent and the passion and enthusiasm for football here is something so heartwarming and so wonderful to see.
Meanwhile, John Abraham who also witnessed the final match said that Shillong is one of the strongest centers of football in the country.
