Shillong, May 7: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday formally launched the 2026 football season of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA) at the SSA Ground in Shillong, reaffirming the government’s vision to make Meghalaya the “football capital of India.”
The programme was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, former Sports Minister and SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh, officials of the association, football teams, players and members of the football community.
During the event, the Chief Minister officially declared the football season open and hoisted the SSA flag, marking the formal commencement of the league competitions.
Addressing players and football enthusiasts, Sangma congratulated the Meghalaya Football Association and the SSA for their continued contribution towards strengthening football culture in the state.
“Football holds a very special place in the hearts of our people, and the youth of Meghalaya have always shown immense passion for the game,” the Chief Minister said, while noting that the state has made significant progress in sports development in recent years through joint efforts of the government and sports stakeholders.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports infrastructure and grassroots development, Sangma said the state aims to create opportunities for young footballers across all levels.
“Our vision is clear—we want Meghalaya, and Shillong in particular, to become the football capital of India,” he stated.
The Chief Minister stressed that football development must extend to the grassroots level, including villages and local communities, to nurture young talent and strengthen the sporting ecosystem in the state.
Highlighting the government’s support to the SSA, Sangma informed that financial assistance provided through the Chief Minister’s Special Grant has gradually increased over the years. He announced a support of ₹32 lakh for the successful conduct of the 2026 football season, up from ₹30 lakh sanctioned during the previous season.
Speaking to the players, the Chief Minister said sports help build discipline, resilience and character.
“Winning and losing are both part of sports, just as they are part of life. What truly matters is how you approach the game, what lessons you learn from it, how hard you work, how disciplined you remain, and how gracefully you accept both victory and defeat,” he said.
SSA General Secretary Dipshon L. Nongbri thanked the state government for its continued support and said nearly 95 percent of the financial grant received during the previous season was distributed as cash prizes to affiliated clubs participating in the SSA Football Tournament.
He also highlighted the association’s legacy, noting that the SSA, established in 1916, is affiliated with more than 100 clubs across Greater Shillong and has remained one of the leading institutions promoting football in Meghalaya for over a century.
During the programme, the SSA also proposed the construction of a modern sitting gallery and related infrastructure at the SSA Stadium along the Umkhrah riverfront, stating that the Detailed Project Report for the project has already been prepared.
The event featured the presentation of SSA jerseys and mementos to dignitaries, introduction of participating teams and a photo session with players and officials. The opening match of the season was played between Mawnianglah Youth Sports Association and Sei La Sap FCC following the ceremonial kickoff.
