Shillong, June 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government's commitment to building a robust and inclusive sporting ecosystem as he interacted with athletes, coaches, and celebrated sports personalities during the Meghalaya Sports Conclave held in Shillong.
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| A young football achiever receives a cash award at the Meghalaya Sports Conclave in Shillong, as state leaders honour outstanding athletes and reaffirm Meghalaya’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent ahead of the 2027 National Games. (Image: X/SangmaConrad) |
The conclave, which brought together some of Meghalaya’s most talented sportspersons along with renowned sports icons from across the country, served as a platform to celebrate sporting excellence, inspire young athletes, and discuss the future of sports development in the state. The event comes at a crucial juncture as Meghalaya gears up to host the National Games in 2027, a milestone that is expected to transform the sporting landscape of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sangma said the government's vision extends far beyond hosting major sporting events or constructing infrastructure. He emphasized that Meghalaya is focused on creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem that identifies talent at an early stage, nurtures athletes through systematic training and support, generates employment opportunities, strengthens communities, and produces champions capable of competing at national and international levels.
“Hosting the National Games in 2027 will be a defining moment for Meghalaya. However, our goal is not limited to building stadiums or organizing competitions. We want to create an environment where young athletes can dream big, access opportunities, and pursue excellence in sports as a viable career path,” the Chief Minister said.
During the conclave, the state government honoured 15 outstanding sports achievers from six disciplines—Archery, Athletics, Swimming, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and Football. The athletes were presented with cash awards ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹87,500 in recognition of their achievements and contributions to sports.
Congratulating the awardees, Sangma said recognizing sporting talent is essential not only to reward hard work and dedication but also to inspire the next generation of athletes. He noted that successful sportspersons serve as role models who demonstrate the value of discipline, perseverance, and determination.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of learning from the experiences of accomplished sports icons who participated in the conclave. He said their stories of struggle, resilience, sacrifice, and success provide invaluable lessons for aspiring athletes and reinforce the belief that excellence can be achieved through sustained effort and commitment.
“Listening to the journeys of our sports icons reminds us that success is built on discipline, hard work, and perseverance. Their experiences can motivate our young athletes to push their limits and strive for greater achievements,” he said.
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Sangma expressed confidence in the potential of Meghalaya’s youth, describing them as exceptionally talented and capable of excelling at the highest levels of competition. He stressed that with the right guidance, training, infrastructure, and institutional support, athletes from the state can make a significant impact on the national and global sporting stage.
The Meghalaya Sports Conclave also provided an opportunity for athletes, administrators, and policymakers to exchange ideas on sports development, talent identification, and capacity building. Participants discussed ways to strengthen grassroots sports programmes and ensure that aspiring athletes across the state have access to quality coaching and competitive opportunities.
As Meghalaya intensifies preparations for the National Games 2027, the conclave underscored the state government’s determination to position sports as a key driver of youth empowerment, social development, and economic opportunity. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting athletes and fostering a sporting culture that can inspire future generations across the state.
