Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and senior state officials to assess ongoing sports and youth development initiatives in the state.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the Government of Meghalaya, the Sports Authority of India, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, and other stakeholders, focused on strengthening collaboration between the Centre and the state government to promote sports and youth engagement.
During the discussions, officials reviewed Meghalaya’s sports ecosystem, infrastructure projects, grassroots participation programmes, and athlete development initiatives. The state government highlighted several measures aimed at supporting sports clubs, associations, and athletes through grants, scholarships, and youth-focused schemes.
Officials informed the meeting that nearly 900 athletes are currently receiving support under the State Sports Scholarship Scheme.
A key focus of the review was the Chief Minister’s Football Mission, Meghalaya’s flagship grassroots football programme. Inspired by successful football development models in South America, the initiative currently operates through 125 grassroots centres and supports nearly 10,000 young athletes across the state. Officials noted that the programme has contributed to the emergence of several international footballers from Meghalaya.
The meeting also reviewed major sports infrastructure projects, including the proposed Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which is envisioned as one of the largest football stadiums in the region and is being considered as a potential venue for the opening ceremony of the National Games.
Other projects discussed included the Umsawli Sports Complex and the Umtham Slalom Course. Officials said the slalom course is emerging as one of India’s leading facilities for water sports and slalom training.
Raksha Khadse emphasized the importance of strengthening grassroots sports ecosystems, enhancing youth participation, and ensuring effective convergence between central and state initiatives to maximise impact.
The review also covered youth empowerment programmes, including the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students (YESS Meghalaya), which provides support to organisations conducting youth-focused activities. Discussions were also held on expanding volunteer participation through MY Bharat, particularly for upcoming sporting events such as the National Games.
Representatives of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, including sports administrators and officials from athletics, badminton, shooting, and karate associations, participated in the deliberations.
The Union Minister further stressed the need to strengthen Khelo India-accredited academies and align sports infrastructure development with long-term athlete training systems. Discussions also covered the Meghalaya Games and strategies for nurturing future sporting talent.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to supporting sports and youth development in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region, Raksha Khadse said the state possesses immense sporting talent and a vibrant youth ecosystem. She noted that coordinated efforts between governments, sports institutions, and community organisations would be essential for building a stronger sporting culture and creating opportunities for emerging athletes.
