SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday positioned sports as a key pillar of Meghalaya’s long-term youth development strategy, as the state showcased an unprecedented Rs 1,800 crore investment in sports infrastructure and athlete support systems at the concluding session of the Meghalaya Sports Conclave 2026.
Addressing athletes, policymakers and sports experts gathered at the conclave, Sangma said the government’s sports push is rooted in a broader vision of creating opportunities for Meghalaya’s young population.
“The youth of the state is at the centre and at the heart of what we want to achieve, and that’s how our journey in sports began,” he said. “For me as Chief Minister, every citizen and every young person is important when I create a policy.”
Sangma stressed that the same philosophy is driving government interventions across multiple sectors, including music, entrepreneurship and skill development. He pointed to initiatives such as the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, CM Elevate and PRIME as examples of programmes designed to help young people transform talent and innovation into sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighting the state’s demographic profile, the Chief Minister noted that nearly 18 lakh people in Meghalaya are below the age of 20, accounting for almost half of the state’s population.
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“Many people talk about Gen Z, but Meghalaya is largely a Gen Alpha-majority state,” he said. “It is important to create institutional systems now so that we are able to take care of the challenges when this huge young population enters colleges and begins looking for livelihood.”
His remarks came as Meghalaya presented the scale of its ongoing sports transformation ahead of the 39th National Games in 2027. Officials said investments in sports infrastructure have now reached Rs 1,800 crore, with projects being designed to create a lasting sporting ecosystem beyond the National Games.
Among the major projects highlighted was the recently inaugurated Rs 132 crore Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex, which is expected to serve as a major centre for indoor sporting disciplines. Redevelopment works are also underway at the JN Sports Complex and the P.A. Sangma Integrated Sports Complex to strengthen training and competition facilities.
At the centre of the state’s infrastructure push is the Rs 732 crore Mawkhanu Football Stadium, envisioned as India’s first football-specific stadium built entirely to FIFA and AFC standards. With a seating capacity of 40,000, it is expected to become one of the country’s premier football venues.
The conclave, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, brought together Olympic medallists, international athletes, sports administrators and governance experts to discuss the future of sports development.
The opening session on Transforming India’s Sports Governance featured Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, former Indian hockey captain P.R. Sreejesh and governance specialists. Speakers emphasised the need to build inclusive sporting ecosystems that nurture talent from the grassroots rather than focusing solely on elite athletes.
Commissioner and Secretary Dr Vijay Kumar said Meghalaya’s community-centred development model, based on trust and local participation, is increasingly shaping the state’s sports policies and infrastructure investments.
The second session, Innovation and Digital Transformation in Sports, explored how technology and data analytics are changing athlete development and performance monitoring. World Athletics Vice-President Dr Adille Sumariwalla, Go Sports Foundation Board Member Deepthi Bopaiah, Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra and RevSportz founder Boria Majumdar participated in the discussion, with Bindra and Majumdar joining virtually.
Panellists highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making and praised Meghalaya for significantly increasing sports allocations since 2018, enabling the current infrastructure expansion.
The conclave also witnessed a significant milestone in athlete welfare with the presentation of the first appointment letter under the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy which guarantees direct government job to athletes providing long-term financial and career security.
Sangma handed the appointment letter to canoeist Pynshngain Kurbah, who won a bronze medal for Meghalaya at the 38th National Games, making him the first athlete to benefit from the policy approved by the state cabinet earlier this year.
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Describing the initiative as an important step towards recognising sporting excellence, the Chief Minister said the policy aims to provide athletes with career security while encouraging them to pursue higher levels of achievement.
Officials said the direct appointment policy reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that sporting success is rewarded through meaningful opportunities beyond medals and trophies.
The conclave concluded with a renewed emphasis on sustained investment, athlete development and institutional support, with Meghalaya positioning sports not only as a competitive pursuit but as a vehicle for youth empowerment and social transformation.
