Shillong, Oct 16: Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has backed Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s vision of developing the state into a major sporting hub and the ‘sports capital of India’, highlighting the immense potential of its young population and the strong place sport holds in local culture.
Speaking at the inauguration of the High-Performance Sports Science Centre at the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall in Shillong on Friday, Bindra said hosting the National Games would be a significant milestone for Meghalaya, bringing national attention to the state and creating an opportunity to strengthen its sporting ecosystem.
Scheduled for March next year, the event could also open up new opportunities for local athletes and help accelerate sports development across the state.
“There is so much potential in the youth. It is such a young population, and sport is part and parcel of your culture, which is so great,” Bindra said. He added that he would extend his support in every possible way to help realise the Chief Minister’s vision.
Bindra also welcomed the establishment of a world-class Sports Science and Injury Centre in Meghalaya, describing it as an important investment in the state’s sporting future. He said the facility could bring scientific expertise and professional support to athletes at both elite and grassroots levels.
The centre is expected to help athletes improve performance, prevent injuries and access appropriate treatment and rehabilitation when injuries occur. Bindra emphasised the importance of making its services accessible to as many athletes as possible so that the benefits of sports science reach beyond the elite level.
He expressed optimism that the facility would strengthen athlete development in Meghalaya, noting that access to sports science, injury prevention and professional rehabilitation could play a vital role in improving performance and supporting athletes throughout their sporting careers.
