M’laya felicitates 136 athletes, 22 coaches on National Sports Day

On the occasion of National Sports Day, Meghalaya on Friday felicitated 136 athletes and 22 coaches who participated in the recent 6th Meghalaya Games and distributed cheques under YESS Meghalaya initiative to 103 beneficiaries worth Rs 45 lakhs.
Organised by the State Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, the celebrations took place simultaneously in Shillong and Tura, showcasing the state’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening sports infrastructure across the state.
YESS Meghalaya, a flagship initiative of Chief Minister Conrad 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 initiatives, and a wide range of engaging activities that strengthen community participation and youth leadership.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri, underlined the importance of National Sports Day as a reminder of the state’s commitment to fitness, inclusivity, and youth empowerment through sports.
“Since 2018, the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has improved by leaps and bounds. Despite all challenges, the government hasachieved major strides and milestones. Our objective is to be able to produce local athletes by the next Olympic Games,” Warjri said.
Highlighting the continuous successful conduct of the Meghalaya Games as a testament to the state’s growing sporting culture, the Sports and Youth Affairs minister 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 sportspersons.
He urged young athletes to seize every opportunity, he encouraged them to actively engage with the government to realise their full potential.
Warjri 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 crore already sanctioned for the initiative.
“The money spent is not a mere expenditure but an investment because we believe that this will empower sports associations and the youth as a whole”, Warjri stated.
While in Tura, the event was graced by Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills Nipon Hajong, who emphasized the transformative power of sports in fostering unity and well-being.
During the programme, the athletes took the pledge as part of the National Sports Day celebration.