Shillong, May 7: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday formally launched the 2026 football season of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA) and announced ₹32 lakh in financial assistance for the successful conduct of the league.
The season was inaugurated at the SSA Ground in Shillong in the presence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, former Sports Minister and SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh, football officials, players, and representatives of participating clubs.
Declaring the season open and hoisting the SSA flag, the Chief Minister said football occupies a special place in Meghalaya’s identity and stressed the need to expand opportunities for young players across the state.
“Our vision is clear—we want Meghalaya, and Shillong in particular, to become the football capital of India,” he said, adding that investments must go beyond infrastructure to include players, coaches, leagues, and grassroots tournaments.
He said the real growth of football would come when opportunities reach villages and smaller communities, allowing young players to dream of representing Meghalaya at higher levels.
Highlighting the government’s support for football, Sangma said assistance to the SSA has steadily increased over the years — from ₹28 lakh initially to ₹30 lakh last season — before announcing ₹32 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the 2026 season.
He also encouraged players to embrace sportsmanship and discipline, saying success in sports is defined not only by victories but also by resilience, hard work, and the ability to handle defeat gracefully.
SSA General Secretary Dipshon L. Nongbri thanked the state government for its continued support and said the previous season’s financial assistance helped the association conduct all five divisions of its football league, including women’s and grassroots competitions.
He said nearly 95 percent of the grant received last season was distributed as cash prizes among affiliated clubs participating in the tournament.
Established in 1916, the SSA is affiliated with more than 100 clubs across Greater Shillong and remains one of the oldest football associations in the region.
During the programme, Nongbri also urged the government to support the construction of a modern sitting gallery and related infrastructure at the SSA Stadium along the Umkhrah riverfront, stating that the Detailed Project Report for the project is already prepared.
The opening match of the season was played between Mawnianglah Youth Sports Association and Sei La Sap FCC following the ceremonial kickoff.
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