Shillong, May 29: The Centre on Friday reviewed Meghalaya’s rapidly expanding sports infrastructure and grassroots talent programmes, with discussions focusing on preparations linked to the National Games and the state’s growing reputation as a football powerhouse in the Northeast.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse chaired a high-level review meeting with Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and senior state officials to assess ongoing sports and youth development initiatives and explore stronger Centre-State collaboration.
The meeting reviewed Meghalaya’s ambitious sports ecosystem, including athlete development schemes, grassroots football programmes and infrastructure projects that are positioning the state as an emerging sporting hub in the region.
Officials informed the meeting that nearly 900 athletes are currently receiving support under the Meghalaya State Sports Scholarship Scheme.
A major focus of the discussions was the state’s flagship Chief Minister’s Football Mission, which officials said currently operates through 125 grassroots centres and supports nearly 10,000 young footballers across Meghalaya.
Inspired by South American football development models, the programme has already contributed to the emergence of several international footballers from the state, officials said.
The review also centred on Meghalaya’s preparations for hosting major sporting events, including infrastructure linked to the National Games.
Officials discussed progress on the proposed Mawkhanu Football Stadium, envisioned as one of the largest football stadiums in the Northeast and a possible venue for the opening ceremony of the National Games.
The meeting also reviewed development of the Umsawli Sports Complex and the slalom course at Umtham, which officials described as one of India’s emerging premier facilities for water sports and slalom training.
Khadse stressed the need to strengthen grassroots sports ecosystems and improve convergence between Central and State schemes to maximise athlete development and youth participation.
The discussions also covered Meghalaya’s youth-focused initiatives, including the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students (YESS Meghalaya), which supports clubs and organisations involved in youth activities and community programmes.
The role of MY Bharat in expanding youth volunteering opportunities for future sporting events, including the National Games, was also discussed.
Representatives of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and several state sports bodies participated in the meeting, including officials from athletics, badminton, karate and shooting associations.
Khadse also emphasised strengthening Khelo India-accredited academies and aligning sports infrastructure with long-term athlete development systems.
She said Meghalaya possesses “immense sporting potential” and a vibrant youth ecosystem, adding that coordinated efforts between the Centre, the State Government and sports organisations would play a key role in nurturing talent across the Northeast.
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