Meeting with athletes, coaches and Sports Associations
REGIONAL: With Meghalaya preparing to host the 39th National Games in 2027, the state government organised a meeting with athletes, coaches and State Sports Associations to discuss enhancing sports infrastructure and support systems for athletes. The session, chaired by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, focused on athlete welfare, training facilities and the long-term growth of sports in the state.
Shylla highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, sports bodies, and athletes for the event's success. He noted that the Sports Department's budget has dramatically increased from Rs 40 crore to Rs 844 crore, facilitating substantial investments in sports. The minister recognised Meghalaya’s athletes for improving their ranking from 29th to 13th at the Khelo India Tribal Games and announced the Meghalaya Outstanding Direct Appointment Policy, allowing medal winners at the National Games to secure government jobs.
He urged unity among stakeholders, stressing that any failure during the Games would affect all. Moreover, athletes would receive attendance relaxations to balance training with education, while their coaches would also receive support.
Richard Yanthan asserted that the National Games would be a significant platform for Meghalaya's athletes and a chance to accelerate infrastructure development.
Under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Meghalaya's sports ecosystem has expanded, with over 50,000 athletes scouted and 1,200 currently in training. The state has won 70 medals at national and international levels, including 23 gold medals. To further bolster sports science support, a High Performance Sports Science Centre is being established at the JN Sports Complex.
With over Rs 1,800 crore invested in sports infrastructure since 2018, Meghalaya aims to leverage the National Games for youth empowerment and economic growth in the Northeast.