Aizawl: Mizoram Sports Minister Robert Romawia Royte inaugurated the first football pitch in Mizoram under FIFA Forward Project at Sairang Dinthar Veng Monday.
Speaking at the inaugural function Sports Minister Robert Romawia said the Mizoram government gives high priority to the promotion of sports and under the Sports Policy 2019, sports is given industry status and that 5% of government jobs under Group B, C and D category is reserved for sports personnel.
He mentioned that sincere efforts are on to construct maximum number of astroturf football playgrounds all over the state in all district and sub-divisional headquarters. Sanction has been received under Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, he added. While lauding the victory of boxer Lalrinsanga Tlau and the performance of other Mizo boxers at the recently held international level professional boxing championship tournament- LPS Fight Night Robert Romawia appealed to officials of all sports associations in the state to take proactive role for the promotion of sports in Mizoram to bring it to the highest level of excellence.

The newly inaugurated MFA playground meets international standard requirements having a dimension of 105×68 metres and 1 metre beyond the touchline with 111×74 metres green astroturf covered area. Construction work was started way back in August 2016 and completed on February 18, 2021. FIFA contractor Edel Grass, Netherland and Acosa Sports, Mumbai joined hands in construction work and laying of astroturf.

The inaugural function was attended among others by Zothantluanga Constituency MLA; Lal Thanzara, President, MFA and former Minister; Rev Dr C.Lalhlira, Moderator, Mizoram Synod; Lalnghinglova Hmar, Honorary Secretary, MFA; Prince Rufus, South Asia Development Officer, FIFA; Lalsangliana Director, Sports & Youth Services Department officials of MSSC and various sports associations; leaders of Sairang Village Council and representatives of NGOs and a number of invitees.