Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse chaired a review meeting with the Meghalaya government to assess sports and youth development initiatives in the state.
The meeting was attended by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, senior government officials, Sports Authority of India representatives and members of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association.
Officials reviewed Meghalaya’s sports ecosystem, athlete development programmes, youth engagement initiatives and infrastructure expansion plans. The discussions focused on strengthening grassroots participation and improving opportunities for young athletes.
Meghalaya sports development initiatives reviewed
The Meghalaya government informed the Centre that nearly 900 athletes are currently receiving support under the State Sports Scholarship Scheme.
Officials also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Football Mission, which operates through 125 grassroots centres and supports nearly 10,000 athletes across the state. The programme has helped several footballers from Meghalaya reach the international level.
The review covered infrastructure projects including the Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which is expected to become one of the largest football venues in the region. Officials said the stadium is being considered as a venue for the National Games opening ceremony.
The Umsawli Sports Complex and the Slalom Course at Umtham were also discussed during the meeting. Officials stated that the Umtham facility is emerging as a major centre for water sports and slalom training in India.
Raksha Khadse stressed the need to strengthen grassroots sports systems and improve coordination between Central and State schemes. She also highlighted the importance of expanding Khelo India accredited academies and creating better athlete development pathways.
The meeting further reviewed youth programmes such as the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students (YESS Meghalaya) and volunteer participation through the MY Bharat platform for upcoming sporting events.
Representatives from several state sports associations, including football, athletics, badminton and karate bodies, participated in the discussions.
Raksha Khadse said Meghalaya has strong sporting potential and added that coordinated efforts between governments and sports organisations would help build a stronger sports culture in the North East region.
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