Shillong to Evolve as a "High-Altitude Sports Training Centre": Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

Shillong: The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong will be developed into a "high-altitude sports training centre" because of its elevated location from the sea level, and suitable climatic conditions.

The Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju said that the capital of Meghalaya is situated about 5,000 feet above the sea level, which makes it suitable for high altitude sports training.

Shillong is situated 4,990 feet above sea level.

Rijiju further said that Shillong would be a place of pride not only for the people from Meghalaya but for the entire North East. He said that the place has suitable climatic conditions and a perfect platform for high-altitude training of athletes.

High altitude can further help in building endurance among athletes. Many countries send their athletes to such places to develop their endurance ahead of major sporting events.

Rijiju also inaugurated the new Synthetic Football Ground, Synthetic Athletic Track & Field and Girls hostel at SAI Training Centre. He said that the National Games 2022 will be held in Meghalaya. "My Ministry would give full support to the National Games when they would be held in Meghalaya. Chief Minister (Conrad K Sangma), being a sports lover, is really giving all his efforts to hold the games next year," Rijiju said, adding that he would do everything to promote sports in the northeastern states.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also shared pictures from the inauguration. Along with the synthetic grounds and track, Rijiju also inaugurated the very first Khelo India School. "Hon'ble Union Minister of @IndiaSports, Sh @KirenRijiju Ji is in #Shillong to inaugurate the Synthetic Football Turf & Girls' Hostel at SAI Training Centre & to launch Assam Rifles School as #KheloIndia School. We thank him for his leadership in upgrading sports infra in the NE," Conrad Sangma tweeted.

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