Silchar: Work on the expansion of the Itkhola Athletic Club House began on Tuesday with the laying of the foundation stone for a new room and hall that will add much-needed space to the community facility. The event started around 5 pm and brought together club members and residents who have been waiting for this upgrade to a venue that has long hosted local sports and social gatherings.

The project has been sanctioned under the MPLAD Scheme 2024–25 and approved by Rajya Sabha MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, who allocated Rs 10 lakh for the construction.

Those present included club president Ratan Singh, Rajya Sabha MP nominee Deepan Dewanjee, Dr Arup Patao of S.M. Dev Civil Hospital, BJP leader Uday Shankar Goswami, former SMB chairman Santanu Das, businessman Ankur Paul and SMC engineer Nipon Paul. Sports figure Bijendra Prasad Singh conducted the proceedings.

Ratan Singh thanked Kalita, Dewanjee and Bijendra Prasad Singh, adding that the MP has promised to attend the inauguration once the work is completed.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dewanjee said Kalita had been keen to support the project and credited Bijendra Prasad Singh for being the first to push for an expansion. He added that the MP, who maintains a strong interest in sports, has also assured future assistance for the club.

In his role as anchor, Bijendra Prasad Singh highlighted the contributions of both Kalita and Dewanjee and noted that Dewanjee himself had extended significant support to the initiative.

The construction will be carried out by contractor Dilip Das. With the new additions, the club’s capacity will rise from roughly 70 to 75 people to about 150.

The hall is expected to be ready in two months. The land belongs to the Itkhola Durga Mandir Development Committee, chaired by Ratan Singh, and the club has obtained the required no-objection certificate. Members also acknowledged the earlier financial help given by former Union minister Kabindra Purkayastha and former MLA Dilip Kumar Paul.

Club general secretary Pankaj Singh, along with Uday Singh, Gopal Singh and Bikram Singh, also attended the programme.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally