Shillong, Sep 16: The Meghalaya State Badminton Association (MSBA), under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), officially inaugurated the North East Zone Inter-State Badminton Championship 2026, today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Sports Complex, Shillong.
Returning to Meghalaya for the first time since 2016, the tournament serves as the official qualifying ground for the team events of the highly anticipated National Games 2027, in Meghalaya.
The championship which will take place from September 16 to 19 brought together over 250 top-tier shuttlers representing all eight Northeastern states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. With each state contingent fielding meticulously selected players, the courts in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw intense competition across categories on the opening day.
In his keynote address, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Wailadmiki Shylla said that the return of this important championship to Shillong after ten long years arrives at a highly opportune moment, as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games next year. Emphasizing the value of the exposure, he stated, “We do understand that champion is created from this kind of platform,” reinforcing that youth need these opportunities and platforms to compete against other States.
He added that the State witnessed a surge in the Sports budget from a mere ₹40 crore eight to nine years ago to a staggering ₹844 crore. The objective of this funding is to provide better infrastructure, platforms, and opportunities for the youth, alongside a hike in prize money that now awards ₹2 lakh to National Games gold medallists.
Furthermore, Shylla underscored the transformative Meghalaya Outstanding Direct Appointment Policy, which guarantees direct government jobs to State athletes who secure medals at major events. This policy also allows athletes a grace period of up to ten years to pursue higher education or advance their sporting careers before taking up their appointed posts.
Turning to National Games preparations, he confirmed that a dedicated stipend will be provided to the final selected team to support their ongoing training. He concluded by announcing a directive under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) to establish special provisions, ensuring athletes receive medical care and support for sports-related injuries throughout their journey.
The tournament was officially declared open, followed by an oath-taking ceremony led by the captain of the Meghalaya Badminton contingent.
Ace shuttler Ashmita Chaliha, the first Indian ever to win the Korea Masters Title, who is representing Assam in the tournament, commended the sports momentum as she returned to compete in Shillong at the North East Inter-State Badminton Championship after nearly a decade.
Expressing optimism regarding the host State’s venue readiness and infrastructure build-up for the upcoming National Games next year, Chaliha highlighted the rise of grassroots talent across the region. She observed that while young shuttlers are emerging through structured training, grooming and high-level match exposure will be essential to bridge the gap with elite circuits.
Offering a message to Meghalaya’s athletes, she urged them to play without the burden of expectations, advising, “Enjoy what you play, give your absolute best on the court without taking the pressure of winning or losing, and the results will naturally follow.”
Fresh off his career-defining Men’s Singles title victory at the Cameroon International 2026 and a former U-17 national champion Mizoram’s H. Lalthazuala, expressed firm conviction in Team Mizoram’s title prospects.
