Shillong, May 14: The Meghalaya government on Wednesday announced a Rs 23.37 crore financial support package aimed at strengthening athlete preparation ahead of the 39th National Games in 2027. The announcement was made during an interaction programme involving athletes, coaches and various State Sports Associations.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the funds, to be released under the Team Preparation Programme, would focus on athlete accommodation, diet and nutrition support, as well as exposure to competitions outside the state. He described the National Games as a major opportunity for Meghalaya and stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure its success.
Addressing concerns raised by athletes, the minister said nutrition and balancing academics with sports training were among the key issues discussed during the meeting. He informed that the government has already incorporated diet support under Phase-II of the programme and would provide financial assistance to State Sports Associations to ensure athletes receive proper nutrition. Additional funds have also been earmarked for accommodation support and external exposure trips to help athletes gain competitive experience outside Meghalaya.
Shylla further stated that the government would take up with the Education Department the issue of attendance relaxation for athletes training for the National Games. He also highlighted the introduction of the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy, which guarantees government jobs for medal winners at the National Games. Stressing the role of coaches in athlete development, he assured continued support for coaching staff as well.
The minister noted that Meghalaya’s sports budget has increased significantly over the years, rising from around Rs 40 crore seven years ago to Rs 844 crore in the current financial year. He also pointed to the state’s improved performance at the recent Khelo India Tribal Games, where Meghalaya climbed from 29th to 13th position, as evidence of sustained investment and growing sporting standards.
Joint Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Richard Yanthan said hosting the National Games would accelerate sports infrastructure development in the state while giving local athletes a major platform to showcase their talent. Meanwhile, John F. Kharshiing, Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, assured full cooperation from the sporting fraternity towards the successful conduct of the Games and long-term sports development in the state.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Meghalaya has expanded its sports ecosystem considerably in recent years. Since June 2025, more than 50,000 athletes have been identified across the state, while over 1,200 athletes are currently training under 27 State Sports Associations. Meghalaya athletes have already won 70 medals at national and international events, including 23 gold medals.
The state is also setting up a High Performance Sports Science Centre at the J.N. Sports Complex to provide advanced support in sports science, recovery, injury management and performance analysis. With more than Rs 1,800 crore invested in sports infrastructure since 2018, the government sees the 39th National Games as a major step towards transforming sports and youth development in Meghalaya and the Northeast.
