Shillong, June 28: Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has called for a fundamental shift in the approach to physical education in Meghalaya’s schools, admitting that the sector has long been neglected despite the state’s natural athletic talent.

His remarks come at a time when sports organisations and grassroots groups have been urging the government to provide structured physical education, qualified coaches, and professional training opportunities for the state’s youth.

Speaking on the subject, Sangma said physical education has never been given the seriousness it deserves—either by the education system or by many schools and teachers. “Physical education is very important to us,” he stressed. “During my own school and college days, there was a strong focus on physical activities, even if it lacked professional training.”

“We were players for everything, but not professionals,” he recalled, sharing memories of playing early morning games before classes. “There was one friend who never played but knew the rules and regulations of all the games. That’s how involved we were back then.”

Expressing concern over the current situation, the minister said, “There are many schools and teachers who know about physical education but do not practise it.” He emphasised the need for genuine implementation rather than simply listing the subject in school timetables.

He also highlighted success stories from rural areas, citing footballers from his own constituency who made it to the Subroto Cup finals. “In the last Meghalaya Games held in Tura, I visited several events and saw many participants from South West Khasi Hills winning medals. I’m sure they have not received professional training but possess natural talent,” he said. “If the events had included rowing and swimming, my village would have won many medals, as we have the longest river.”

Sangma was also candid about the gaps in the current system. “Look at our curriculum—I will admit it has not treated Physical Education as an important subject for students,” he said. The problem, he added, is not only the lack of infrastructure, but also the absence of proper guidance and committed policy execution.

“As a state, we are naturally talented, but we have not turned into professionals,” he said. “We have not been guided properly, and we need it.”

As the way forward, Sangma announced that the government is taking steps to correct this. “As Education Minister, I want to assure you that we must begin somewhere. Yes, we have created the post of physical education teachers, and we have decided to create more such posts in government schools,” he stated.

He further added that all government-aided schools and institutions across the state will be directed to treat physical education as a core and non-negotiable part of the curriculum, rather than something optional or symbolic.

Also Read: NPP born in Northeast, built by its people, for its people: Conrad

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub