From five won this year, Meghalaya is aiming for at least 50 medals at the National Games in 2027, which will be hosted by this state.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma suggested this target at a function here today where Rs 39.17 crore was handed over to 26 sports associations as grants-in-aid to help them prepare for the Games in two years’ time. That equates to just over Rs 1.50 crore per state association.
The funds are specifically for preparing Meghalaya’s athletes for 2027.
In his speech, Sangma said that what is unique about Meghalaya’s approach is that the funds are going directly to the sports associations and not being routed through the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA).
“This move gives them full freedom to decide how best to use the money based on their individual needs. Whether it is for hiring coaches, purchasing equipment, holding training camps, or talent search programmes, the associations have the liberty to plan and execute their own strategies,” the CM said.
He also posed a target to aim to win at least 50 medals in the National Games 2027, 10 times as many as was won this year. “Early preparation and investment are key,” Sangma added while stating that his government has a long-term vision to improve the sports sector in the state, including infrastructure development worth nearly Rs 1,900 crore and producing an Indian Olympic athlete by 2036.
States holding mega sporting extravaganzas often do experience a “hosting bump” of success but the key is to justify the exorbitant cost of organising the event with long-term success, something that Manipur did after hosting the 1999 National Games.
Also present on the occasion were Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri, MSOA working president John F Kharshiing and senior civil servants, athletes and state association representatives.
Meanwhile, the CM also presented mountaineer Rifiness Warjri with a cheque of Rs 1 lakh on becoming the youngest person from Meghalaya, third woman and fourth person overall to scale Mt Everest, which she accomplished recently. Sangma also announced an additional Rs 5 lakh assistance to the 20-year-old from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant.
