Meghalaya Govt. to develop football in Garo Hills

Meghalaya [India], August 24 (ANI): In an endeavour to foster football talents in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has announced the launch of Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools - a William Initiative football academy in Tura. The academy would impart coaching to players between the age group of 6 to 15 years.

The launch was announced by the Meghalaya Chief Minister on August 16 at the grand finale of Freedom Fest 2017 in presence of sports minister Zenith Sangma and a host of other dignitaries including Bhaichung Bhutia.

During the launch program of the academy, a special football coaching session was conducted by ace Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, where around 80 young talented football players took part.

The former Indian football captain said, "It's great for Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and for my company; it's very interesting to come out of bigger cities and come to Tura and see the talents which the William Football Initiative has been taking. We will tie up and see that the talented players are provided opportunities. So in years to come I think we would be able to bring out football players from Garo Hills as well."

During the final match for Bhaichung Bhutia Champions Cup and Freedom Challenge Cup as part of the Freedon fest, Boca Juniors lifted the Bhaichung Bhutia Under-15 Champions Cup, while Selsella FC lifted the Freedom Challenge Cup 2017.

A crowd of over 7,000 gathered at Chandmary ground and witnessed the spectacular grand finale of the Freedom Fest 2017.

Moreover, in order to develop Meghalaya as a powerhouse of football, the Chief Minister assured to develop the Chandmary ground and laid an astro turf to meet the world-class facilities.

Sangma said, "Our friends from Meghalaya engaged themselves in football and in promoting it. The government acknowledges this and because of this acknowledgement, Meghalaya government has launched Mission Football just recently. Now it's for all of you, the football lovers, men and women, old and young, to come together and take advantage of this initiative of the government." (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI