110th year celebration of Laban Sports Club

From a Correspondent

SHILLONG, July 30: Laban Sports Club (LSC), today celebrated its 110th year celebration which kick started here on Saturday morning with a marathon entitled as ‘Run for Laban’ which was participated by the youths of the cosmopolitan locality.

The marathon was flagged off by Sammy Myrthong the club president here at 6am around which was participated by more than 200 participants from  all ages groups in both male and female categories including junior and senior and veterans above 50 years.

The Laban Sports Club which was formed way back in the year 1906, which was then known as the ‘Laban Athletics Club’ has produced quite a number of outstanding sportspersons in the different disciplines – football, hockey, badminton, table-tennis and others.

During the ceremony the LSC also paid rich tribute and homage to the founding leaders and members of the Laban Sports Club by observing a minute of silence during a grand function to mark the opening of the celebration.

South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai in his speech as a chief guest lauded the LSC for having completed its 110th year despite the ups and downs it face during the journey.

Informing that the LSC is not only considered as the richest but is also one of oldest clubs in the entire North East region, Shullai who was also once upon a time an active member of the LSC and was employed in government jobs from sports quota , however lamented that there is lack of collective responsibility towards upliftment of the club.

He also urged all concerns not to forget about the club before a situation may come that it would have to disappear.

Informing that the Indoor Stadium, which is still under construction at the Laban Sports Club ground, is targeted to be completed within December this year, Shullai further said “We will iugurate the Indoor Stadium as part of the celebration and accordingly hand it over to the LSC for the promotion of young talents in respect to various indoor games in the area.”

Shullai also informed that a funds of Rs 50 lakh for re-construction of the Laban ground, which was partially damaged due to heavy rain last year is targeted to be completed in December.

He added “All efforts are being make to ensure that all requirements for upliftment of the area are taken care despite the various departments of the state are facing huge fincial crisis, in view of the NGT ban on coal mining in the state.”

Shullai also hoist the LSC flag and flying of balloons to mark the opening ceremony of the celebration.

Guest of honour, Iostar Sunn in his speech attributed the success of the LSC to its founders. He recalled that the reputation of the LSC is nothing which others can be compared to. He also expressed that he is proud that the locality which have people from different communities living in it is a best example to others in term of respecting each other.

Meanwhile a brief report on the journey of the club was also highlighted by the former Laban headman Edward Kharwanlang, while the LSC president Samy Myrthong delivered the welcome address.