Shillong, Aug 3: The hosting of the first Durand Cup match in Shillong was a watershed moment in the State’s sporting history and Meghalaya has ambitious plans to upscale its sporting landscape. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday announced the State will soon launch the Mission Football 2.0, a revamped and updated scheme to implement new ways to promote football in the state, and develop the culture of football in the State.
This is based on the success of Mission Football, which has transformed the soccer landscape in the State.
As an extension of the Scheme, the CM also announced a ‘Local Football Club Support Scheme’, where Elite Clubs participating in I-League 2 and above can apply for grants up to Rs. 3 Crore, and Grassroots/Intermediate Clubs of the State can apply for grants up to Rs. 15 Lakh.
With Mission Football 2.0 the government intends to improve upon the infrastructure for more football. It was also highlighted that the government in collaboration with North East United Football Club (NEUFC) will soon have a one of its kind residential academy at Mawkhanu in New Shillong Township.
Addressing the press on Friday evening, he said, “We urge the citizens of Shillong to come out in large numbers to watch the matches of the Durand Cup. Further, we are happy to use the occasion to share the initiatives the Government has begun for football and other sports in the state. Such spends on infrastructure, events, and grants are not an expenditure, but an investment in our youth.”
Mission Football
Mission Football, the State’s Marquee Scheme for Football Development, has ensured the construction of 111 Grassroots Centres across the State, where nearly 8000 children receive training each year.
Further, over 25,000 children participate each year in the U-12 Football Tournament and the Subroto Cup State Qualifiers.
Associations with the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) have enabled the Meghalaya State League and the Meghalaya Youth League.
Further, through Meghalaya Tourism, support of North-East United FC and Shillong Lajong FC has already been explored in the last two years, totalling almost Rs. 10 Cr. in financial sponsorship.
This remarkable investment in the Sports Ecosystem, with football in particular, has yielded noteworthy results.
The Meghalaya State Team were the runners-up in the Santosh Trophy, 2023, surpassing many strong teams from India in the process. The U-17 Football Team have consistently won medals in football at the Khelo India Games, winning gold in 2024 in Tamil Nadu.
Meghalaya State Sports Policy
In a press statement, the Commissioner and Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, said since the launch of the State Sports Policy in 2018, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has made significant strides.
This includes the construction of sports infrastructure across the state, launch of talent identification and nurturing schemes like the STAR Program, as well as the hosting of state, national, and international events.
This is most evident in the initiatives made for the development of football in the State.
The Government, through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, looks forward to continuing their efforts to build on the success of Mission Football and other schemes, the statement read.
Extensive renovations in J.N. Stadium
The Jawaharlal Nehru (J.N.) Stadium in Shillong hosted the first match in the Group F category of the prestigious 133rd Durand Cup on Friday. The event is the first of this scale hosted at the J.N. Stadium since 2016, a significant moment for the State.
The Stadium Development was accelerated ahead of its scheduled construction to ensure that compliances were met for the hosting of the Durand Cup. This included the construction of the North and South Stand, the fitting of seats in all stands to comply with International Event guidelines under AFC, and the renovation of the West Stand VIP area.
Further, the natural turf was re-laid entirely with natural grass conducive to the Shillong climate.
The Stadium’s Floodlights were also replaced to reach the lighting levels required for international matches and Television broadcast standards. The Player’s Dressing Areas and Official’s rooms were also upgraded as per international standards.
The Stadium shall also continue its upgradation after the event, which shall include the final touches of the structure and the laying of a synthetic Athletic track, which shall be completed soon.
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