Shillong, October 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the High-Performance Sports Science Centre at the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall in Shillong, marking a significant step towards strengthening scientific training, performance assessment and athlete development in the State.
The inauguration was attended by Olympic gold medallist and founder of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Abhinav Bindra, Minister Marcuise N. Marak, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo, along with senior government officials, coaches and athletes.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the Centre forms part of the State Government’s long-term strategy to invest in young people and build a stronger sporting ecosystem. “If we have to compete with the best in the world, we need the best here in our state, whether it is the processes, the technology or the manpower,” the Chief Minister said.
He emphasised that the government’s sporting initiatives are aimed not only at winning medals but also at encouraging greater youth participation while promoting discipline, resilience and continuous improvement.
Sangma also expressed hope that scientific training and athlete support services would gradually be extended to the grassroots level, with similar centres envisaged in Nongstoin, Jowai, Tura and Williamnagar. He said these initiatives are part of the State’s broader plans to establish football centres of excellence and a high-altitude training centre in Shillong.
The newly inaugurated High-Performance Sports Science Centre offers specialised support in strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, recovery and performance assessment to help athletes improve their performance, minimise injury risks and recover more effectively.
Although formally inaugurated on Friday, the Centre has been operational since September and has already been conducting performance tests for athletes preparing for the upcoming National Games.
Speaking on the occasion, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra appreciated the Meghalaya Government’s commitment to developing sporting infrastructure and investing in athletes. “It is easy to celebrate an athlete after a medal has been won. It is much harder, and far more important, to invest in that athlete before anyone sees their name. That is what true vision looks like,” Bindra said.
He stressed that the success of the National Games should not be measured solely by the event itself but also by the opportunities created for young athletes long after the Games conclude. Bindra underlined the importance of developing a sustainable sporting ecosystem that provides lasting benefits to future generations of sportspersons.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed highlighted the need for scientific systems to support consistent sporting excellence. He said the establishment of the Centre represents a shift towards a more scientific and athlete-centred approach to training, performance development, injury prevention and long-term recovery.
The Centre is expected to strengthen Meghalaya’s sporting infrastructure and institutional capacity while providing athletes with access to scientific support to help them compete at national and international levels.
