The Meghalaya government will spend nearly Rs 1,900 crore on sports in the next three years, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said today while presenting the state budget for 2025-26.
Much of this, though he did not specify how much, will be spent on hosting the 39th National Games in 2027.
To complete ongoing projects and to implement new ones the CM has allocated Rs 236 crore for 2025-26.
Sangma boasted that under his leadership, the state government has spent Rs 1,500 crore of state funds on sports infrastructure development “compared to only about Rs 100 crore during the period 2001-18”.
He added, “Since the formation of the state, no government at any period of time has encouraged sports like ours. I believe that sport is the way to channelise our youth towards a better future.”
He reminded the Assembly that, since 2022, Meghalaya has hosted more than 10 national and international sports events, like the Indian Super League, Durand Cup, Elite Men’s Boxing Championship and International Canoe Federation World Cup qualifiers for India.
“The cumulative investment in sports has resulted in the success of the athletes at the regional and national levels,” he added, noting the five medals Meghalaya athletes won at the recent National Games in Uttarakhand, which matches the state’s previous best performance.
“I am delighted that the 39th National Games will be held in Meghalaya in 2027. Despite interest from larger states such as Chhattisgarh and Assam, the dedication and preparedness of our state was the deciding factor in our favour,” the CM said. “This is certainly a time for celebration and reaffirming our commitment to sports development.”
Sports infrastructure will make up the largest component of the planned Rs 1,900 crore expenditure in the next three years. Included in this is the Rs 732 crore Mawkhanu Football Complex, a 40,000-seater stadium dedicated to football, construction of which will begin in the coming financial year. “This stadium shall be the epicentre of Meghalaya’s aspiration to tbe the ‘Football Capital of India’,” Sangma said.
Other projects more accessible to the common man are 25 new artificial turfs, 140 grassroots centres and provision of grants to local clubs. The CM’s Football Mission, which was recently launched, will enable these initiatives, he added, with Rs 10 crore budgeted for this purpose.
Major ongoing projects, like the renovation of the JN Stadium in Shillong, construction of the PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, Ampati Stadium and Jongksha Indoor Stadium will be completed soon, the CM promised.
Sangma also mentioned the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy under which jobs are guaranteed for athletes winning medals in International Olympic Committee-recognised sports at national and international events.
