Union MoS Raksha Khadse stresses tighter Centre-State convergence
Shillong, May 29: Around 900 athletes in Meghalaya are currently being supported under the State Sports Scholarship Scheme, officials informed at a review meeting on the state’s sports and youth development roadmap in presence of Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Friday.
There are also grant-based support mechanisms for youth and sports-related activities, targeted youth development schemes and scholarship programmes for athletes, the officials told the meeting while outlining the current support framework for sportspersons.
Earlier, the Union Minister called for tighter convergence between Central schemes and state-level initiatives to build stronger pathways for athletes in Meghalaya.
Also attended by State Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and officials from government, Sports Authority of India, and representatives of Meghalaya State Olympic Association, the meeting discussed the state’s sports ecosystem, youth engagement initiatives, infrastructure projects and athlete development programmes.
Meanwhile, a significant portion of the review centred on the Chief Minister’s Football Mission.
The initiative draws inspiration from successful South American football development models and currently operates through 125 grassroots centres, supports nearly 10,000 athletes and has contributed towards the emergence of several international footballers from Meghalaya.
Progress on major sports infrastructure was assessed. This included the Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which is envisioned as one of the largest football stadiums in the region and is being considered as a potential venue for the opening ceremony of the National Games.
The Umsawli Sports Complex was also discussed. Officials added that the Slalom Course at Umtham is emerging as one of the country’s premier facilities for water sports and slalom training.
Raksha Khadse emphasised the importance of “strengthening grassroots sports ecosystems, promoting youth participation and ensuring convergence between Central and State initiatives for maximum impact.”
Khadse also emphasised the importance of strengthening Khelo India-accredited academies and aligning state sports infrastructure with athlete development systems to create stronger pathways for emerging sportspersons.”
On youth programmes, the meeting reviewed the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Scheme for Students, or YESS Meghalaya, which extends support to clubs and organisations undertaking youth-related programmes.
MSOA representatives present included Working President John F Kharshiing, Senior Vice President EMH Passah, Joint Secretary Pynbiang Laloo, and Treasurer Ksan Kupar Warjri.
Discussions were also held regarding the Meghalaya Games and long-term athlete development planning.
Reiterating the Centre’s support, Khadse said, “The Ministry’s commitment towards working closely with Meghalaya to strengthen sports infrastructure, athlete support systems and youth development initiatives across the state and the wider North East region.”
She noted that Meghalaya possesses immense sporting potential and a vibrant youth ecosystem, and stressed that coordinated efforts between the Centre, State Government, sports institutions and community organisations would play a vital role in nurturing talent and advancing the vision of a stronger sporting culture in the country.
