Union Minister Raksha Khadse reviewed Meghalaya’s sports and youth initiatives, focusing on grassroots football, athlete support and infrastructure projects.
Shillong, May 29: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting with the Government of Meghalaya to assess ongoing sports and youth development programmes and discuss stronger Centre-State coordination for expanding sports infrastructure and grassroots talent development in the state.
The meeting was attended by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Vijay Kumar D, senior state officials, representatives of the Sports Authority of India, and members of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA).
Discussions focused on Meghalaya’s evolving sports ecosystem, youth engagement initiatives, infrastructure expansion and athlete development programmes aimed at increasing grassroots participation and improving pathways for professional sporting careers.
Officials informed the meeting that nearly 900 athletes are currently receiving assistance under the State Sports Scholarship Scheme. The state government also highlighted several grant-based support mechanisms for sports clubs, youth organisations and athletes across Meghalaya.
A major focus of the review was Meghalaya’s flagship grassroots football programme under the Chief Minister’s Football Mission. According to officials, the initiative currently operates through 125 grassroots centres and supports around 10,000 young athletes across the state.
The programme, inspired by South American football development models, has contributed to the emergence of several footballers from Meghalaya who have represented at international levels, officials said.
The review also examined progress on key sports infrastructure projects, including the proposed Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which is being developed as one of the region’s largest football venues. Officials said the stadium is being considered as a possible venue for the opening ceremony of the upcoming National Games.
Other infrastructure projects discussed during the meeting included the Umsawli Sports Complex and the Slalom Course at Umtham.
Officials stated that the Umtham Slalom Course is emerging as one of India’s important facilities for water sports and slalom training, reflecting Meghalaya’s efforts to diversify beyond traditional sporting disciplines.
Khadse stressed the need to strengthen grassroots sports ecosystems and improve convergence between Central and State-level schemes to maximise impact. She also underlined the importance of expanding youth participation and volunteer engagement through national platforms.
The meeting reviewed Meghalaya’s Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students (YESS Meghalaya), which supports clubs and organisations conducting youth-oriented activities across the state.
The role of MY Bharat in expanding volunteering opportunities for upcoming sporting events, including the National Games, was also discussed. Officials explored ways to use the MY Bharat portal for mobilising youth volunteers during major sporting events.
Representatives from the Meghalaya State Olympic Association who participated in the meeting included John F. Kharshiing, Working President of MSOA and President of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya; EMH Passah, Senior Vice President of the Meghalaya Athletics Association; Pynbiang Laloo, President of the Meghalaya Badminton Association; and Ksan Kupar Warjri, General Secretary of the All Meghalaya Karate Association.
Khadse also emphasised the importance of strengthening Khelo India-accredited academies and aligning sports infrastructure development with long-term athlete training systems to create sustainable pathways for emerging sportspersons.
The discussions additionally covered preparations related to the Meghalaya Games and broader long-term athlete development planning.
The Union Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to working closely with Meghalaya in strengthening sports infrastructure, athlete support systems and youth engagement programmes not only in the state but across the wider Northeast region.
She observed that Meghalaya possesses significant sporting potential and a vibrant youth base, adding that coordinated efforts between governments, sports institutions and community organisations would be important for building a stronger sporting culture in the country.
