Shillong, May 13: As Meghalaya intensifies preparations to host the 39th National Games in 2027, the state government on Wednesday held a major interaction with athletes, coaches, and State Sports Associations to strengthen athlete welfare and sporting infrastructure ahead of the prestigious event.
The interaction programme, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, was chaired by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla. The meeting focused on athlete welfare, training support, competition exposure, and long-term sports development in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said the National Games presents a major opportunity for Meghalaya and stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure the successful hosting of the event.
“The National Games is a big opportunity for everyone and in order to have a successful National Games, all of us have to work together as a team,” Shylla said.
Emphasising the need to prioritise athlete welfare, the minister referred to concerns raised by athletes regarding nutrition support and grievance redressal mechanisms.
“Whatever decision we take, whatever policies we bring, it is very important to keep the youth in mind,” he stated.
Highlighting the government’s increasing investment in sports, Shylla informed that the annual budget of the Sports Department has risen from nearly ₹40 crore seven years ago to ₹844 crore this year. He also announced that the next phase of ₹23.37 crore under the Team Preparation Programme would soon be released to support athlete accommodation, diet, nutrition, and competition exposure.
The minister congratulated Meghalaya athletes for their improved performance at the recently concluded Khelo India Tribal Games, where the state climbed from 29th to 13th position in the rankings. He said the achievement reflected the hard work of athletes, coaches, sports associations, and sustained government investment in sports development.
In a major boost for sportspersons, the government has also introduced the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy, which provides government jobs to athletes winning medals at the National Games.
Responding to issues raised during the interaction, Shylla assured support for coaches, stating that “Behind every successful athlete, there is a coach.” He further informed that athletes preparing for the National Games would be given relaxation in attendance requirements and that the matter would be discussed with the Education Department for necessary exemptions.
Joint Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Richard Yanthan, said the National Games would provide a valuable platform for athletes to showcase their talent at the national level while also accelerating infrastructure development in Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, John F. Kharshiing, Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, assured the government that the sporting fraternity remains committed to working collectively for the success of the National Games and the long-term growth of sports in the state.
The press release also highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Meghalaya has significantly expanded its sporting ecosystem in recent years. Since June 2025, more than 50,000 athletes have been scouted across the state, while over 1,200 athletes are currently training under 27 State Sports Associations.
Meghalaya athletes have already secured 70 medals at national and international competitions, including 23 gold medals. The state is also establishing a High Performance Sports Science Centre at the J.N. Sports Complex to provide advanced sports science support, injury management, recovery systems, and performance analytics.
With more than ₹1,800 crore invested in sports infrastructure since 2018, Meghalaya aims to make the 39th National Games a transformational milestone for sports, youth development, and economic growth in the Northeast.
