Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced a massive Rs 1,800 crore investment in sports infrastructure, framing it as a cornerstone of Meghalaya’s long-term youth strategy. The commitment was highlighted at the conclusion of the Meghalaya Sports Conclave 2026, which gathered experts and athletes to discuss the state's vision for the future.
With nearly half of the state's population under the age of 20, Sangma emphasized the urgency of building sustainable systems now. “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 during his address.
The infrastructure push includes several major projects, most notably the Rs 732 crore Mawkhanu Football Stadium. Designed to meet FIFA and AFC standards, the 40,000-seat venue is set to become a premier destination for football in India. Other developments include the newly opened Rs 132 crore Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex and ongoing upgrades to the JN Sports Complex and the P.A. Sangma Integrated Sports Complex.
The conclave also marked a milestone for athlete welfare as the state implemented its new Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy. The policy, designed to offer financial and career stability to high-achieving athletes, saw its first recipient when canoeist Pynshngain Kurbah received a government job appointment letter. Kurbah earned the placement following his bronze medal win at the 38th National Games.
State officials confirmed that these investments are intended to create a lasting sporting ecosystem beyond the upcoming 39th National Games in 2027. Experts at the event, including Olympic medallists and sports administrators, praised the government for its data-driven approach and significant increase in sports allocations since 2018.
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