Shillong (Meghalaya), May 29: Meghalaya is ramping up sports infrastructure and grassroots talent development with fresh backing from the Centre, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse said after a review meeting held here today with state leaders.
Khadse met Meghalaya Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Vijay Kumar D, alongside senior officials from the state government, Sports Authority of India and Meghalaya State Olympic Association. The focus was on aligning state initiatives with national priorities and strengthening the athlete pipeline.
The state government told the meeting that nearly 900 athletes are currently supported under its Sports Scholarship Scheme, with grants also flowing to clubs and associations running youth programmes. Meghalaya’s Chief Minister’s Football Mission, modelled on South American development systems, now operates through 125 grassroots centres and engages around 10,000 athletes, several of whom have moved on to international representation.
Infrastructure was a key part of the review. Officials highlighted progress on the Mawkhanu Football Stadium, pitched as one of the region’s largest and a possible venue for the National Games opening ceremony, as well as the Umsawli Sports Complex and the Slalom Course at Umtham, described as emerging among the country’s top water sports and slalom training hubs.
Khadse stressed the need to strengthen grassroots ecosystems, boost youth participation and ensure tighter convergence between Central and State schemes. Talks also covered the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students and the role of MY Bharat in creating volunteering opportunities for the upcoming National Games.
Representatives of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, including Working President John F. Kharshiing, Senior Vice President E.M.H. Passah, Joint Secretary Pynbiang Laloo and Treasurer Ksan Kupar Warjri, joined the discussions. Khadse reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to work closely with Meghalaya to build stronger pathways for emerging sportspersons across the North East.
