Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma awarded sports scholarships to promising athletes and ceremoniously flagged off the state contingent heading to the Khelo India 2025 games. The event was held at a vibrant ceremony in Shillong, drawing attention to Meghalaya’s growing focus on nurturing sports excellence at the grassroots level.
This initiative is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote sports as a viable career path and to create a structured ecosystem where young athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Scholarships to Fuel Dreams
Addressing the athletes and sports officials gathered at the send-off event, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma emphasized the role of sports in building character, discipline, and state pride. Scholarships were awarded to athletes from various disciplines including football, boxing, archery, athletics, and weightlifting.
“These sports scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are a recognition of your hard work and potential. We want to ensure that no athlete in Meghalaya is held back due to a lack of resources,” said the CM.
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The scholarships cover training expenses, equipment, travel, and academic support to help athletes balance their sporting goals with education. The scheme particularly focuses on students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to create equal opportunities across the state.
Team Meghalaya Heads to Khelo India 2025
Following the awards ceremony, the Meghalaya contingent for Khelo India 2025 was flagged off with much fanfare. The team, comprising over 120 athletes, coaches, and support staff, will represent the state in the national-level sporting event scheduled to take place early next year.
The CM encouraged the athletes to give their best and carry the spirit of Meghalaya to the national stage. He highlighted that this platform is a stepping stone for many who aspire to represent India at the international level, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.
“Khelo India has become a symbol of India’s sporting future. I have full confidence that our young athletes will shine and bring laurels to Meghalaya,” he added.
Boosting Sports Infrastructure and Policy
The event also served as a platform to announce the state government’s renewed focus on sports infrastructure development. New stadiums, training centers, and indoor facilities are being developed across districts to provide athletes with access to world-class training environments.
In recent years, Meghalaya has seen significant investment in sports, including partnerships with private organizations, talent scouting programs, and coaching workshops. The state is also working towards setting up a Meghalaya Sports Academy to centralize training and development under expert supervision.
Officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs added that the state is aligning its policies with the National Sports Development Code and introducing sports into school curriculums to identify talent early.
Empowering the Youth Through Sports
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s belief in the power of sports to empower the youth, create community pride, and reduce social disparities. Initiatives like the scholarship program and support for national-level competitions are intended to inspire more young people to take up sports professionally.
Parents and guardians present at the event appreciated the support from the government, saying it gives their children both recognition and a roadmap to pursue their dreams.
A New Era for Meghalaya’s Sporting Aspirations
With the launch of these scholarships and the enthusiastic send-off of Team Meghalaya to Khelo India 2025, the state has taken a concrete step towards positioning itself as a hub of emerging sports talent in North East India.
As the athletes embark on their journey to compete with the best from across the country, they carry with them the hopes and pride of their communities, backed by a government committed to their growth and success.
