Shillong, Aug 1: Bollywood actor and entrepreneur John Abraham has expressed confidence that the Northeast can produce footballers of global stature, saying he wants to see “a Ronaldo or a Messi” emerge from the region as he announced that his football academy will be ready within the next two years.
Abraham made the remarks while addressing the anti-drug awareness programme, “Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat Against Drugs”, organised by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) at the State Guest House, Taraghar, on Friday.
Describing the Northeast as the “hotbed of football”, Abraham said the region possesses immense footballing talent and that his upcoming academy is aimed at identifying and nurturing young players to reach the highest level of the sport. “I want to see a Ronaldo or a Messi coming from the Northeast,” he remarked.
During an interactive session with students, the actor urged young people to stay away from substance abuse and instead embrace discipline, fitness and sports as a way of life.
He also praised Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, calling him “one of the nicest human beings”, and spoke of his admiration for Shillong and the Northeast.
Social Welfare Adviser Paul Lyngdoh, the chief guest at the event, said Meghalaya is making significant investments in youth development and sports infrastructure. He highlighted the proposed football academy and the construction of what he described as India’s largest football stadium in Shillong, expressing confidence in the region’s sporting future.
The programme focused on prevention, recovery and community participation under the DREAM Mission, which was launched in 2022 to combat drug abuse across the state.
A major highlight of the event was the flagging off of a vehicle for the Asha Bhavan Rehabilitation Centre in Tura to strengthen rehabilitation and outreach efforts in Garo Hills.
Abraham was felicitated during the programme, alongside several recovery champions, including Meghalaya’s youngest recovery champion.
Director of the Social Welfare Department, Saloni Verma, said the event reflected the government’s united commitment to tackling substance abuse. She encouraged young people to draw inspiration from Abraham’s disciplined lifestyle, stressing that true success comes from building both physical and mental resilience.
The programme also featured inspiring testimonies from recovery champions and youth icons. Marvin B Warjri, Recovery Champion 2026 from the Meghalaya Users’ Forum, shared his journey of overcoming addiction, while youth icon and fitness influencer Dapalei Linna Warjri promoted fitness as a positive alternative to substance abuse. The event also included a performance by vocalist Kitkupar Nongsie, a finalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts 2026.
The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge at the “Dream Wall of Commitment”, reaffirming their resolve to build a drug-free Meghalaya.
