Meghalaya on August 29 celebrated National Sports Day by felicitating 136 athletes and 22 coaches who participated in the recent 6th Meghalaya Games and by distributing cheques under the YESS Meghalaya initiative to 103 beneficiaries amounting to Rs. 45 lakhs.
Organised by the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, the celebrations took place simultaneously in Shillong and Tura, showcasing the state’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening sports infrastructure.
Launched in 2022, YESS Meghalaya a flagship initiative of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, extends financial support to youth organisations, societies, and NGOs across the state. The programme is designed to empower young people by enabling awareness campaigns, educational initiative, and a wide range of engaging activities that strengthen community participation and youth leadership.
Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri underlined the importance of National Sports Day as a reminder of the state’s commitment of fitness, inclusivity, and youth empowerment through sports. He said, “Since 2018, the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has improved by leaps and bounds. Despite all challenges, the government has achieved major strides and milestones. Our objective is to be able to produce local athletes by the next Olympic Games”.
The Minister highlighted the continuous successful conduct of the Meghalaya Games as a testament to the state’s growing sporting culture. He noted that the government is bringing in significant improvements through better infrastructure, professional coaching, and motivational support while also instilling the values of commitment and discipline that define true sportsperson.
Urging young athletes to seize every opportunity, he encouraged them to actively engage with the government to realise their full potential.
He announced the launch of Megha Fit Phase 1 with an initial investment of over Rs 20 lakh, emphasising the importance of building a healthier and more active Meghalaya. The Minister further revealed that the state will soon establish dedicated sports hostel facilities to nurture young talent, with a substantial allocation of Rs. 100 Crores already sanctioned for the initiative. “The money spent is not a mere expenditure but an investment because we believe that this will empower sports association and the youth as a whole,” Warjri stated.
In Tura, the event was graced by Nipon Hajong, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, who emphasised the transformative power of sports in fostering unity and well-being.
During the programme, the athletes also took the pledge as part of the National Sports Day celebration.
