Meghalaya has significantly expanded its financial allocation for the sports sector as part of broader efforts to build a robust athletic ecosystem ahead of hosting the 39th National Games in 2027. The state's sports budget has grown from around Rs 40 crore in 2018 to over Rs 840 crore at present. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla highlighted this sharp rise in investment during the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations held in Shillong on Saturday under the theme "Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat," an event organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Substantial Cash Incentive Hikes for Medal Winners
To motivate local athletes, the Meghalaya government has revised cash rewards for sports achievements at the National Games. Under the revised framework, gold medallists will now receive Rs 2 lakh, marking a massive surge from the previous reward of Rs 7,500. Silver medallists are now slated to receive Rs 1.5 lakh, while bronze medal winners will be awarded Rs 1 lakh. Minister Shylla emphasized during the felicitation ceremony that these enhanced incentives mark only the beginning of a sustained push toward comprehensive sports development across the state.
While honoring the achievers, Minister Wailadmiki Shylla noted, "By giving you this award today, we are not saying that this is enough. We are saying that this is just the beginning."
Direct Government Recruitment Policy Under MOSDAP
Beyond cash prizes, the state has established a clear career pathway for elite athletes representing Meghalaya. Under the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy (MOSDAP), athletes who win medals at prestigious events including the National Games, South Asian Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics qualify for direct appointment to government jobs. Pynshngain Kurbah, who earned a bronze medal at the 38th National Games, became the inaugural recipient of a government job appointment under this policy.
Grassroots Talent Identification and Infrastructure Expansion
The state administration is actively working to enlarge its talent development pipeline across districts. Through the State Talent Assessment and Recruitment (STAR) programme, officials aim to evaluate roughly 24,500 young people to identify promising sporting talent. Additionally, 125 grassroots football centres are being established. Members of Meghalaya's contingent preparing for the 39th National Games will receive training stipends, while athletes are being provided health insurance coverage through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). To support high-level training, a specialized high-performance sports science centre is being built at the JN Sports Complex and is scheduled for inauguration in September 2026.
National Sports Day Felicitations and Character Building
The National Sports Day event also saw Mawlai Sports Club felicitated for winning the fourth Meghalaya State League and securing a qualification spot in the I-League 3 2025-26 playoffs. Numerous other medal-winning athletes were formally recognized for their performances. Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahammed highlighted the positive social impact of sports, noting that participation fosters resilience, teamwork, and strong personal character while steering young citizens away from negative influences. Sports and Youth Affairs Director Alertson Nongbri reaffirmed that all ongoing initiatives are aligned with building a world-class, high-performance sports ecosystem as the state prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
