Shillong, May 7: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the 2026 Shillong Sports Association (SSA) football season and announced ₹32 lakh in financial support for the conduct of the league.
The season-opening programme was held at the SSA Ground in Shillong in the presence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, SSA president and former Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, football officials, players and club representatives.
Declaring the season open after hoisting the SSA flag, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya’s football culture must be strengthened through sustained investment in grassroots development, coaching and competitive leagues.
“Our vision is to make Meghalaya, especially Shillong, the football capital of India,” Sangma said, stressing that opportunities for young footballers must expand beyond urban centres to villages and smaller communities.
Highlighting the government’s growing support to the SSA, he noted that financial assistance has steadily increased over the years, from ₹28 lakh initially to ₹30 lakh last season. He then announced ₹32 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the 2026 season.
Sangma also urged players to uphold discipline and sportsmanship, saying success in football is shaped not only by victories but also by resilience and the ability to overcome setbacks.
SSA General Secretary Dipshon L Nongbri thanked the state government for its continued backing and said last season’s grant enabled the association to successfully organise all five divisions of the league, including women’s and grassroots competitions.
He added that nearly 95 per cent of the previous season’s grant was distributed among affiliated clubs as prize money.
Established in 1916, the SSA is among the oldest football associations in the region and is affiliated with over 100 clubs across Greater Shillong.
During the programme, Nongbri also appealed to the government to support the construction of a modern sitting gallery and allied infrastructure at the SSA Stadium along the Umkhrah riverfront, stating that the Detailed Project Report for the proposed project has already been prepared.
The opening fixture of the season was played between Mawnianglah Youth Sports Association and Sei La Sap FCC following the ceremonial kickoff.
