Meghalaya Honors Athletes, Launches Major Sports Initiatives
136 athletes, 22 coaches celebrated on National Sports Day.
Meghalaya marked National Sports Day with a vibrant celebration, honoring 136 athletes and 22 coaches who showcased their talent at the 6th Meghalaya Games. The dual events, held in Shillong and Tura, underscored the state’s commitment to fostering a robust sporting culture. Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, the ceremonies also saw the distribution of Rs 45 lakh in cheques to 103 beneficiaries under the YESS Meghalaya initiative, aimed at empowering young athletes.
In Shillong, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri led the festivities, emphasizing the state’s ambitious goal to produce homegrown athletes for the next Olympic Games. Warjri launched the first phase of the ‘Megha Fit’ initiative, backed by an initial investment of over Rs 20 lakh, to promote fitness and nurture talent. He also announced a significant Rs 100 crore allocation for establishing sports hostel facilities across the state, designed to provide world-class training environments for aspiring athletes. “These initiatives will empower our youth and strengthen sports associations,” Warjri declared, urging young athletes to collaborate with the government to seize emerging opportunities.
The Meghalaya Games, highlighted during the event, were celebrated as a milestone in the state’s sporting journey, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for athletics among the youth. Warjri praised the Games’ success as evidence of Meghalaya’s potential to become a hub for sporting excellence, encouraging athletes to leverage government support to excel on national and international stages.
Also Read: Yogi Adityanath Honors Athletes on National Sports Day
In Tura, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nipon Hajong presided over the event, emphasizing the unifying power of sports. “Sports not only promote physical well-being but also foster community spirit and resilience,” Hajong said, inspiring athletes to continue their pursuit of excellence. The simultaneous celebrations in both cities reflected the state’s inclusive approach to developing sports infrastructure and opportunities across urban and rural areas.
Meghalaya’s focus on sports development signals a transformative era for the state’s youth. With substantial investments and a clear vision, the government aims to elevate local talent to global platforms, ensuring that Meghalaya’s athletes are well-equipped to compete at the highest levels. The National Sports Day celebrations have set the stage for a new chapter in the state’s sporting legacy, inspiring a generation to aim for greatness.
Also Read: Tendulkar, Bindra Inspire Nation on National Sports Day
