Shillong, July 31: Bollywood actor and entrepreneur John Abraham has a dream of gifting the world a Ronaldo or a Messi from the North East.
“I want to see a Ronaldo or a Messi coming from the Northeast,” Abraham said while addressing a programme here on Friday.
Stating that the region has the potential to produce world-class football talent, he also announced that his new football academy in the region will be ready in the next two years.
He termed the North East a “hotbed of football” during his address at the anti-drugs 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).
On his upcoming football academy, he said it is part of his vision to nurture and train young players from the region that he considers as the future of Indian football.
During an interactive session with students at State Guest House, Taraghar, Abraham spoke on navigating negative influences and substance abuse.
He advocated for a disciplined, substance-free lifestyle rooted in strong values and urged youth to channel their energy into sports and fitness.
He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, describing him as “one of the nicest human beings,” and spoke of his deep affection for Shillong and the greater Northeast.
Adviser to the Social Welfare department, Paul Lyngdoh, who attended as chief guest, echoed Abraham’s optimism.
Lyngdoh highlighted ongoing investments in youth and sports infrastructure, including the upcoming academy and the construction of what he said will be India’s biggest stadium in Shillong.
“The region is poised for a future brighter than the sun,” he said.
The programme focused on prevention, recovery and community engagement under the DREAM Mission, launched in 2022.
A key highlight was the flagging off of a vehicle dedicated to the Asha Bhavan Rehab Centre in Tura to strengthen the state’s drug reduction and rehabilitation efforts.
Abraham was also felicitated at the event along with Recovery Champions and the state’s youngest recovery champion.
Director of Social Welfare Department, Saloni Verma, encouraged youth to draw inspiration from Abraham’s commitment to fitness and discipline.
The event also featured testimonies from recovery champions and youth icons. Marvin B. Warjri, Recovery Champion 2026 from the Meghalaya Users’ Forum, shared his personal journey in “The Choice That Changed Everything.”
Dapalei Linna Warjri, Fitfluencer and Youth Icon Awardee 2024, presented “Fit Over Fix,” advocating fitness as a positive outlet.
Vocalist Kitkupar Nongsie, finalist of the World Championship of Performing Arts 2026, performed “Made for More.”
The programme concluded with dignitaries and participants taking a collective pledge at “The Dream Wall of Commitment” to build a drug-free Meghalaya.
