SHILLONG : Meghalaya has intensified preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, with the state government assuring stronger support systems, improved infrastructure and better welfare measures for athletes across the state.
An extensive interaction programme involving athletes, coaches and representatives of various State Sports Associations was organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on Wednesday.
The meeting was chaired by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, who stressed the importance of teamwork and coordination among the government, sports bodies and athletes for the successful hosting of the National Games.
“We all have to work together as a team if we want to host a successful National Games,” Shylla said.
The minister revealed that the interaction was organised after an athlete approached him and pointed out that infrastructure alone would not guarantee medals, stressing the need for proper nutrition, support systems and platforms for athletes to raise grievances directly with the government.
Shylla highlighted that nearly 59 per cent of Meghalaya’s population is below the age of 25, making youth empowerment and sports development a major focus area for the government.
He informed that the annual budget of the Sports Department has increased significantly from around Rs 40 crore seven years ago to Rs 844 crore at present, allowing the government to invest heavily in sports infrastructure, scientific training methods and athlete welfare.
The minister also credited Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for prioritising youth and sports development in Meghalaya.
Recalling his own days as a basketball player, Shylla said Meghalaya previously lacked proper sports infrastructure, but the situation has improved considerably with the construction of indoor stadiums, courts and sports facilities across the state.
On preparations for the National Games, he stated that the government has adopted a decentralised approach by extending direct support to State Sports Associations. According to him, the first phase of financial assistance has already been released for the purchase of equipment and the hiring of national and international coaches.
Shylla also congratulated Meghalaya athletes for their recent performance at the Khelo India Tribal Games, where the state improved its ranking from 29th to 13th place.
“This reflects that our investment in sports is moving in the right direction and we must continue with the same momentum,” he said.
He further announced that the second phase of financial assistance would soon be released to support athlete accommodation, nutrition, diet and exposure to competitions at the national level.
The minister reiterated that Meghalaya’s goal is not only to successfully host the National Games but also to ensure strong performances and medal wins by athletes from the state.
To encourage athletes and reassure families, Shylla highlighted the Meghalaya Outstanding Direct Appointment Policy, under which National Games medal winners would be eligible for direct appointment to government jobs.
“If you win a medal, you are entitled to get a government job. Bring a medal, take a job,” he stated.
He also informed that athletes would be allowed to continue their sporting careers and higher studies before joining government service, with flexibility to join before the age of 37.
Calling for unity among all stakeholders, Shylla urged athletes and sports associations to avoid unnecessary criticism and instead work collectively towards the success of the National Games.
“If anything goes wrong during the National Games, it will not only affect individuals but the entire state of Meghalaya,” he added.
The minister also assured support for coaches, saying that every successful athlete is backed by a dedicated coach. He informed that the government would discuss with the Education Department the possibility of attendance relaxation for athletes preparing for the Games.
Richard Yanthan said the National Games would provide Meghalaya athletes with a major platform to showcase their talent at the national level while also accelerating sports infrastructure development across the state.
Meanwhile, John F. Kharshiing assured the government that the sporting community remains committed to working together for the successful hosting of the Games and the long-term growth of sports in Meghalaya.
Since June 2025, the Meghalaya government has scouted more than 50,000 athletes across the state, while over 1,200 athletes are currently undergoing training under 27 State Sports Associations.
Athletes from Meghalaya have already won 70 medals at national and international events, including 23 gold medals. The state is also establishing a High Performance Sports Science Centre at the J.N. Sports Complex to provide advanced sports science support, injury management, recovery systems and performance analytics.
With investments exceeding Rs 1,800 crore in sports infrastructure since 2018, Meghalaya is positioning the 39th National Games as a major opportunity for sports development, youth empowerment and economic growth in the Northeast.