Shillong, Mar 6: Meghalaya is positioning itself as a rising hub for sports and cultural innovation, ensuring long-term benefits for athletes, youth, and creative professionals in the state.
Speaking on the steps taken in the sports sector in the 2025-26 budget, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the government has intensified efforts to promote sports and the creative economy, allocating substantial funds for infrastructure development and talent support. Since 2018, the state has committed ₹1,500 crore to sports infrastructure, a significant leap from the ₹100 crore spent between 2001 and 2018.
Meghalaya has hosted over ten national and international sports events since 2022, including the Indian Super League, the Durand Cup, the Elite Men’s Boxing Championship, and the ICF World Cup Qualifiers for India. The increased investment has translated into better performance, with Meghalaya securing five medals at the 38th National Games—the state’s joint-highest tally in history.
“The state is now preparing to host the 39th National Games in 2027, beating competition from larger states such as Chhattisgarh and Assam. To ensure seamless execution, the recently unveiled Meghalaya Sports Action Plan projects an investment of ₹1,900 crore over the next three years,” Sangma said.
Sangma said a key highlight of this investment is the construction of the ₹732 crore Mawkhanu Football Complex, a 40,000-capacity stadium set to establish Meghalaya as the “Football Capital of India.” Complementing this, the government is developing 25 new artificial turfs and 140 grassroots centers, providing grants to local clubs, and promoting large-scale sports events under the CM’s Football Mission. A budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
Major infrastructure projects, including the J.N. Stadium, the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex, the Ampati Stadium, and the Jongksha Indoor Stadium, are nearing completion. The government has allocated ₹236 crore for ongoing and new projects in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
He said the government has also introduced the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy, guaranteeing jobs for athletes who win medals in International Olympics Committee-recognized sports at the national and international levels.
Sangma said the Chief Minister’s Youth Exchange Program will be expanded significantly, aiming to send 30,000 youth for exposure visits and training programs within India and abroad to enhance exposure for young athletes.
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