Shillong, May 7: The 2026 football season of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA) was formally launched today at the SSA Stadium here by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The event was also attended by the Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, former Sports Minister and SSA president Banteidor Lyngdoh MLA, along with officials of the association, participating teams, players and members of the football community.
During the programme, Sangma officially declared the 2026 football season open and hoisted the SSA flag, marking the formal commencement of the league season.
Addressing players, officials, and football enthusiasts, he congratulated the Meghalaya Football Association and the SSA for their continued efforts in strengthening football culture in the state.
“Football holds a very special place in the hearts of our people and the youth of Meghalaya have always shown immense passion for the game. For many years, we were not able to provide the kind of platform, support and opportunities that football truly deserved. I am happy that in the last few years, through the collective efforts of the government, sports administrators and stakeholders, we have been able to make significant progress,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s vision for sports development, the CM said, “Our vision is clear: we want Meghalaya, and Shillong in particular, to become the football capital of India.”
While investment in infrastructure remains important, equal emphasis must be placed on developing human capital in sports, he added. “We must invest in our players, our coaches, our tournaments and our leagues. Whether at the city level, district level, or eventually even at the block level, we must create opportunities for young boys and girls to compete, grow and dream of representing Meghalaya at the highest level.”
This year Sangma has sanctioned Rs 32 lakh for the SSA football season through the CM’s Special Grant, this is an increase of Rs 2 lakh from the year before. SSA assistant general secretary Samran Syiem said that 95 percent of the Rs 30 lakh last year went directly to teams as prize money.
Sangma also said that the government wants sports to become an integral part of every young person’s life. “Not everyone will become a superstar, but every young person can become stronger, more disciplined and a better individual through sports.”
In his welcome speech, SSA general secretary Dipshon L Nongbri said that a detailed project report (DPR) for a new gallery along the Wahumkhrah River is ready to be submitted for the state government’s consideration.
The opening match of the season was played between Mawnianglah Youth Sports Association and Sei La Sap FCC. Mawnianglah came from a goal down to win 2-1.
