Shillong, May 29: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse, chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Meghalaya Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and Commissioner & Secretary Vijay Kumar D to assess ongoing sports and youth development initiatives in the state and explore avenues for strengthening collaboration between the central and state governments.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on Meghalaya’s sports ecosystem, youth engagement initiatives, infrastructure projects and athlete development programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and creating pathways for sporting excellence.
The state government presented various initiatives being undertaken to support sports clubs, associations and athletes, including grant-based support mechanisms for youth and sports-related activities and targeted youth development schemes and scholarship programmes for athletes. Officials informed that nearly 900 athletes are currently being supported under the state sports scholarship scheme.
Discussions were also held on Meghalaya’s flagship grassroots football initiatives under the Chief Minister’s Football Mission, which draws inspiration from successful South American football development models. Officials highlighted that the initiative currently operates through 125 grassroots centres, supports nearly 10,000 athletes and has contributed towards the emergence of several international footballers from Meghalaya.
The review also covered Meghalaya’s plans for strengthening sports infrastructure in the state, including progress related to Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which, according to a press release, is envisioned as one of the largest football stadiums in the region (or biggest in the country, the state government has said in the past) and is being considered as a potential venue for the opening ceremony of the National Games (though it won’t be fully ready until 2028). Infrastructure projects including the Umsawli Sports Complex and the Slalom Course at Umtham were also reviewed during the meeting.
Khadse emphasised the importance of strengthening grassroots sports ecosystems, promoting youth participation and ensuring convergence between central and state initiatives for maximum impact.
The meeting also reviewed Meghalaya’s youth-focused initiatives, including the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students (YESS Meghalaya), under which support is being extended to clubs and organisations undertaking youth-related programmes.
The role of MY Bharat in expanding youth participation and volunteer engagement was also discussed, particularly with regard to creating volunteering opportunities for upcoming sporting events, including the National Games, through the MY Bharat portal.
Senior members of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association – Working President John F Kharshiing, Member EMH Passah, Joint Secretary Pynbiang Laloo, Treasurer Ksan Kupar Warjri – were present and participated in discussions.
Khadse also emphasised the importance of strengthening Khelo India-accredited academies and aligning state sports infrastructure with athlete development systems to create stronger pathways for emerging sportspersons.
Discussions were also held regarding the Meghalaya Games and long-term athlete development planning.
Khadse reiterated the Union ministry’s commitment towards working closely with Meghalaya to strengthen sports infrastructure, athlete support systems and youth development initiatives across the state and the wider North East region.
She noted that Meghalaya possesses immense sporting potential and a vibrant youth ecosystem and stressed that coordinated efforts between the Centre, state government, sports institutions and community organisations would play a vital role in nurturing talent and advancing the vision of a stronger sporting culture in the country.
(Photo contributed)