Shillong, May 14: With preparations intensifying for the 39th National Games, the Meghalaya government on Wednesday projected the event as more than just a sporting competition, outlining plans for stronger athlete support, government job opportunities and long-term investment in sports infrastructure ahead of the 2027 edition.
A high-level interaction organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at the State Convention Centre in Shillong brought together athletes, coaches and State Sports Associations to discuss issues related to training facilities, nutrition, competition exposure and athlete welfare.
Chairing the meeting, Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the government’s objective was not only to successfully host the National Games but also to ensure that athletes from Meghalaya deliver medal-winning performances.
“We all have to work together as a team if we want to host a successful National Games,” Shylla said.
The minister revealed that the interaction was organised after an athlete approached him with concerns that infrastructure alone would not guarantee medals and that athletes also required better nutrition and institutional support. The athlete had further requested a platform to directly communicate grievances to the government.
Highlighting the state’s demographic advantage, Shylla said nearly 59 per cent of Meghalaya’s population is below the age of 25, making investment in sports a strategic priority for the government. He added that the Sports Department’s budget had increased significantly over the past seven years, enabling expanded spending on infrastructure, training systems and athlete welfare.
According to the minister, the government has already released the first phase of financial assistance to sports associations for equipment procurement and the hiring of national and international coaches. A second phase of assistance focused on accommodation, nutrition and competition exposure is also expected shortly.
One of the key announcements made during the meeting was the implementation of the Meghalaya Outstanding Direct Appointment Policy for medal winners at the National Games.
“If you win a medal, you are entitled to get a government job. Bring a medal, take a job,” Shylla stated.
He further said athletes would be permitted to continue their sporting careers and pursue higher studies before joining government service, with flexibility to enter service before the age of 37.
The minister also urged athletes and sports bodies to avoid “unnecessary criticism over minor issues” and instead concentrate on collective preparation for the Games, cautioning that any shortcomings during the event would reflect on the entire state.
Officials at the meeting highlighted the scale of Meghalaya’s recent sports expansion. Since June 2025, more than 50,000 athletes have reportedly been scouted across the state, while over 1,200 athletes are currently undergoing training under 27 State Sports Associations.
Athletes from Meghalaya have so far secured 70 medals at national and international events, including 23 gold medals. The state is also establishing a High Performance Sports Science Centre at the J.N. Sports Complex to provide sports science support, injury management and performance analysis.
With investments in sports infrastructure exceeding Rs 1,800 crore since 2018, the Meghalaya government is positioning the 39th National Games as a major platform for youth development, sports promotion and economic growth in the Northeast.
