Shillong, August 29 : Meghalaya marked National Sports Day 2025 with simultaneous celebrations in Shillong and Tura, honouring athletes, coaches, and youth organisations for their contributions to sports and community development.
As part of the celebrations, 136 athletes and 22 coaches from the recently concluded 6th Meghalaya Games were felicitated. The event also featured a special pledge-taking ceremony by athletes, reaffirming their commitment to sporting excellence.
A highlight of the programme was the distribution of cheques worth ₹45 lakh to 103 beneficiaries under the YESS Meghalaya initiative, a flagship scheme launched in 2022 by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The programme supports youth organisations, NGOs, and societies, empowering them to conduct awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community engagement programmes.
Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri announced the launch of Megha Fit Phase 1, an initiative backed by an initial investment of over ₹20 lakh to promote health and active lifestyles. He also revealed that the state has sanctioned ₹100 crore for new sports hostels to nurture young talent. “The money spent is not a mere expenditure but an investment because this will empower sports associations and the youth as a whole,” Warjri stated.
In his address, the Minister stressed the government’s goal of producing homegrown athletes for the next Olympic Games, citing improvements in infrastructure, coaching, and motivation since 2018. He urged young athletes to seize opportunities and work closely with the government to achieve their potential.
In Tura, the event was graced by Nipon Hajong, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, who spoke about the unifying and transformative power of sports in society.
National Sports Day 2025 thus highlighted Meghalaya’s growing sporting culture, combining recognition for achievers, financial empowerment for youth organisations, and fresh initiatives to ensure a healthier, more active state.
