Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon’ble Sports Minister, today attended the quarter-final match between Shillong Lajong FC and East Bengal FC, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. Prior to the match the Hon’ble Sports Minister highlighted the primary objective of Mission Football 2.0 which will be launched soon.
Speaking about Mission Football 2.0, Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon’ble Sports Minister, said, “Mission Football 2.0 aims to upgrade infrastructures at the grassroots level and will help to uplift local athletes”. He also highlighted the success of Mission Football 1.0 citing examples of local athletes who had started in the grassroots centres and got the opportunity to showcase their talents at national and international events including Bonfillia Shullai who was the only Meghalaya footballer representing India in the U-16 SAFF Women’s Tournament in Nepal this year. She was also vice-captain of the team. Givenson Suting and Samwan A. Lato who were signed onto the Bengaluru FC Youth Academy in 2023 while Sanfida Nongrum and Fragrancy Riwan have begun training in Mumbai with the Baichung Bhutia Football Schools.
Over 16+ Athletes from the grassroots centres represented Meghalaya in various National Football Tournaments including Khelo India Youth Games, where the U-17 team won Gold in 2024, he added.
The Sports Minister also informed that under Mission 2.0, the salary Structure for Grassroots Centres Coaches will be revised based on their license/certification and Coaches will be sent to undergo training under a Refreshers course to enhance their coaching skills, and Grant Programs for Coaches/Support Staff/Referees/Officials will also be provided.
He also said that in the last few years there have been many local clubs within different localities that are providing training to aspiring young athletes, and the Government is aware that they require assistance. In this context, the Sports Minister, assured that the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has sanctioned an amount of up to Rs 15 lakh in support to local clubs, depending on the proposals.
Stating that Meghalaya being a football loving state, the Government hopes that Mission Football 2.0 and other initiatives will improve the overall structure of Football in Meghalaya.
The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs will soon release the Complete Mission Football 2.0 document.