Shillong, August 29: The Meghalaya Government celebrated National Sports Day 2026 on August 29 with a strong focus on athlete welfare, grassroots talent and sports infrastructure. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the state’s sports budget has increased from ₹40 crore in 2018 to more than ₹840 crore today.
The government also raised cash rewards for National Games medal winners. Additionally, Meghalaya announced new athlete support measures, 125 grassroots football centres and talent assessment for 24,500 young people. The initiatives come ahead of Meghalaya hosting the 39th National Games in 2027.
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Key Facts
- Date: August 29, 2026
- Event: National Sports Day 2026
- Theme: “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat”
- Current sports budget: More than ₹840 crore
- Gold medal reward: ₹2 lakh
- Silver medal reward: ₹1.5 lakh
- Bronze medal reward: ₹1 lakh
- Grassroots football centres: 125 planned
- Youth talent assessment: 24,500
- 39th National Games: Meghalaya will host in 2027
Meghalaya Increases Sports Investment
Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said Meghalaya has significantly increased its investment in sports. The state’s sports budget has grown from ₹40 crore in 2018 to more than ₹840 crore currently.
The government has also increased financial rewards for athletes who win medals at the National Games. Gold medallists will now receive ₹2 lakh, while silver and bronze medallists will get ₹1.5 lakh and ₹1 lakh respectively.
The move aims to encourage athletes and recognise their achievements at major sporting events.
Direct Government Jobs for Medal Winners
The minister also highlighted the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy (MOSDAP).
Under MOSDAP, athletes who win medals at recognised competitions such as the National Games, South Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympics can receive direct government employment without appearing for competitive recruitment examinations.
During the National Sports Day programme, Pynshngain Kurbah, a bronze medallist at the 38th National Games, received the first direct appointment under the policy.
More Support for Meghalaya Athletes
The government plans to provide training stipends for Meghalaya’s contingent preparing for the 39th National Games.
It also plans to introduce special insurance provisions for sportspersons through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme. These measures aim to provide athletes with greater financial and social security.
Meanwhile, the state will establish 125 grassroots football centres across Meghalaya. The government will also assess 24,500 young people under the Sports Talent Identification, Development and Realisation Programme (STAR).
High-Performance Sports Science Centre Coming Soon
Another major initiative involves a high-performance sports science centre at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex.
The government plans to inaugurate the centre in September 2026. The facility aims to improve athlete preparation and support Meghalaya’s efforts to build a high-performance sporting ecosystem.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Alertson Nongbri said the state continues to expand sports infrastructure and improve athlete preparation as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
Sports Clubs and Athletes Felicitated
During the National Sports Day programme, the government felicitated Mawlai Sports Club for winning the 4th Meghalaya State League and qualifying for the second-stage play-off round of I-League 3 2025-26.
The state also honoured athletes who brought recognition to Meghalaya in different sporting disciplines.
Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed said sports help young people develop resilience, teamwork and the ability to overcome failure. He encouraged athletes to remain disciplined and work towards bringing Olympic glory to India.
Meghalaya Prepares for 2027 National Games
Finely L. Pariat, General Secretary of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, welcomed the state’s growing investment in sports. He also stressed that athletes must continue working hard to achieve success.
Meghalaya archer Devraj Mohapatra highlighted the importance of discipline, patience, family support and coaching in an athlete’s journey.
With Meghalaya set to host the 39th National Games in 2027, the government aims to strengthen grassroots participation, improve athlete welfare and create better opportunities for local sportspersons.
What Happened on National Sports Day 2026?
Meghalaya celebrated National Sports Day with announcements on athlete incentives, sports infrastructure, grassroots programmes and employment opportunities for medal-winning athletes.
How Much Has Meghalaya’s Sports Budget Increased?
The sports budget has increased from ₹40 crore in 2018 to more than ₹840 crore currently.
What Are the New National Games Rewards?
Gold medallists will receive ₹2 lakh, silver medallists ₹1.5 lakh and bronze medallists ₹1 lakh.
How Many Football Centres Will Meghalaya Establish?
The government plans to establish 125 grassroots football centres across the state.
How Many Young People Will STAR Assess?
The Sports Talent Identification, Development and Realisation Programme aims to assess 24,500 young people.
When Will Meghalaya Host the National Games?
Meghalaya will host the 39th National Games in 2027.
Location Context
Meghalaya is an important sporting hub in Northeast India, with Shillong serving as a major centre for football and other sports. The state’s preparations for the 2027 National Games could further strengthen sports infrastructure and create opportunities for young athletes across the region.