Shillong, Aug 2: The Meghalaya government has aims to take football in the state further, with the planned launch of Mission Football 2.0 soon, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said today.
He was speaking after the inaugural match of the Durand Cup 2024 in Shillong.
Mission Football was launched by the previous Congress-led government in 2017. To build on its success, Sangma today said that the initiative will be revamped and an updated scheme be announced soon, “highlighting new ways to promote football in the state and develop the culture of football in Meghalaya.”
A press release informed that Mission Football has ensured the construction of 111 grassroots centres across Meghalaya, where nearly 8,000 children receive training each year. Over 25,000 children participate each year in a statewide U-12 football tournament (which has yet to take place this year) and the Subroto Cup state qualifiers. Support for the Meghalaya Football Association has enabled the running of the Meghalaya State League and the new Meghalaya Youth League.
As an extension of the scheme, Sangma also announced a ‘Local Football Club Support Scheme’, where elite clubs participating in I-League 2 and above can apply for grants up to Rs 3 crore, and grassroots/intermediate clubs can apply for grants up to Rs 15 lakh.
“We urge the citizens of Shillong to come out in large numbers to watch the matches of the Durand Cup,” the CM said. “Further, we are happy to use the occasion to share the initiatives the government has begun for football and other sports in the state. Such spends on infrastructure, events and grants are not an expenditure but an investment in our youth.”
The state hopes to bring international matches to Shillong and has renovated the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to meet requirements, such as bright enough floodlights for televising the games, natural turf pitch, improved seating and dressing rooms. More likely, at least in the short-term, is an Indian Super League match or two, with the Meghalaya government being the main sponsor of NorthEast United FC in the ISL. The government, through Meghalaya Tourism, has spent nearly Rs 10 crore in sponsoring NEUFC and the I-League’s Shillong Lajong FC.
The government has also inked an agreement with NorthEast United for the franchise to set up a residential academy in the New Shillong Township.
(Durand Cup media photo)