Shillong, May 14: As Meghalaya ramps up preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027, the state government held a key interaction with athletes, coaches and sports associations, stressing the need to strengthen both sports infrastructure and athlete support systems ahead of the mega event.

The meeting on Wednesday organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, was chaired by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla.

Addressing the gathering, Shylla said the successful hosting of the National Games would require collective effort from the government, athletes, coaches and sports bodies.

“The National Games is a big opportunity for everyone and all of us have to work together as a team,” he said, while stressing the importance of athlete welfare, nutrition support and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.

Highlighting the state’s growing investment in sports, the minister said the Sports Department’s budget has risen from nearly ₹40 crore seven years ago to ₹844 crore this year. He also announced that the next phase of ₹23.37 crore under the Team Preparation Programme would soon be released to support athlete accommodation, nutrition and competition exposure.

Shylla congratulated Meghalaya athletes for improving the state’s ranking from 29th to 13th at the recently concluded Khelo India Tribal Games and said the achievement reflected sustained investment in sports development.

He also highlighted the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy, which provides government jobs to medal winners at the National Games.

Responding to concerns raised during the interaction, the minister assured support for coaches and said athletes preparing for the National Games would receive relaxation in attendance requirements, with the matter to be taken up with the Education Department.

Joint Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Richard Yanthan said the National Games would accelerate sports infrastructure development and provide a major platform for Meghalaya athletes at the national level.

Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, John F. Kharshiing, assured full support from the sporting fraternity for the successful hosting of the Games.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Meghalaya has significantly expanded its sports ecosystem, scouting over 50,000 athletes since June 2025 and training more than 1,200 athletes under 27 State Sports Associations.

The state has also won 70 medals at national and international events, including 23 gold medals, while work is underway to establish a High Performance Sports Science Centre at the J.N. Sports Complex.

With over ₹1,800 crore invested in sports infrastructure since 2018, Meghalaya is positioning the 39th National Games as a major boost for sports and youth development in the Northeast.

Also Read: Meghalaya govt clears Rs 23.37 Cr for athlete diet, stay, exposure ahead of National Games

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