Shillong: The Meghalaya government is planning a fillip to sports infrastructure to make the state a national sports hub.

Over the next five years, the state government is looking at an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to ensure the availability of indoor stadiums, track and field grounds, and natural and artificial football grounds in all district and block headquarters.

The construction works will begin this fiscal year, Chief Minister Conrad sangma had assured the House during the state budget.

Currently, large projects, including an indoor stadium and renovation of JN Stadium in Shillong, are on track at a cost of Rs 500 crore. Among other projects are PA sangma Sports Complex in Tura, Wahiajer Football Stadium in West Jaintia Hills and Adokgre Stadium in North Garo Hills.

The government will also initiate the construction of an aquatic complex equipped with an Olympic sized swimming pool, and competition-level tennis complexes in Shillong at about Rs 50 crore.

Meghalaya is also awaiting its turn to host the National Games. A delegation from the state recently met Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha.

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