SHILLONG, June 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said the state is committed to building a comprehensive sporting ecosystem ahead of the National Games 2027, with a focus on nurturing grassroots talent and expanding participation.
Addressing the Meghalaya Sports Conclave, Sangma said the government’s vision goes beyond infrastructure creation and aims to identify and develop talent early while also creating opportunities and livelihoods through sports.
The CM also announced plans to organise football leagues across all 56 blocks of the state to boost grassroots participation and steer youth away from social evils.
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He said officials have been directed to organise football leagues in every block so that children and teenagers have regular opportunities to compete and remain engaged in sports.
“I want students in classes 8, 9 and 10, even in remote places like Selsella, to spend their weekdays training after school and look forward to playing league matches on Saturdays instead of getting involved in negative activities,” he said.
While medals remain an important objective, Sangma stressed that expanding participation at the grassroots level is an even bigger priority.
“Yes, we want medals, but if sports can keep a young boy or girl in Selsella engaged in football every Saturday and away from harmful influences, I believe that itself is a major achievement,” he said.
The chief minister said interacting with Meghalaya’s sportspersons and some of the country’s leading sports icons at the conclave was energising, adding that their stories of “struggles, discipline, resilience and success” would inspire young athletes to dream bigger and push harder.
Sangma also said 15 outstanding sportspersons across six disciplines — archery, athletics, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling and football– were honoured with cash awards ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 87,500.
“Recognising and celebrating our sporting talent is important not only to encourage these young achievers to continue striving for excellence, but also to inspire our youth to dream bigger, work harder and pursue greatness through sports,” he said.
Describing grassroots initiatives as the foundation of Meghalaya’s sporting ambitions, Sangma said the government’s focus extends beyond producing elite athletes.
“The story is not just about the sportspersons sitting here today. It is about every child and every young person in our state,” he said, adding that the promotion of sports is central to the vision of building a stronger and healthier Meghalaya.
“Our youth are immensely talented. With the right guidance, opportunities and support, there is no limit to what they can achieve,” he added. (PTI)
