Shillong, Feb 23: The state government has allocated Rs 844 crore for the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs in the 2026-27 financial year, according to the budget estimates presented by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in the Assembly today.
This is more than double (a 104% increase) what was allocated to the department in 2025-26, a whopping jump but an unsurprising one given that Meghalaya is set to host the National Games in 2027.
Rs 210 crore has been earmarked for hosting the National Games, while Rs 400 crore will go toward sports infrastructure, such as the flagship 40,000-seat Mawkhanu Football Stadium and other international-standard facilities.
The CM described these investments as positioning Meghalaya as a major sporting hub in the North East.
(Rendering of the Mawkhanu Football Stadium)