Shillong: Meghalaya’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse in Indian sports was spotlighted today as the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies graced the State Convention Centre. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced a staggering investment of nearly Rs 2000 crore in sports infrastructure over the past seven years, a period during which 70 per cent of the state’s existing sporting facilities have been developed. This significant financial outlay underscores a marked shift in government policy towards sports promotion, a departure from previous eras.
The state’s ambitious plans include the construction of the Mawkhanu Sports Complex, touted to be the largest dedicated football stadium in the country with a seating capacity of 40,000. This mega-project is a cornerstone of Meghalaya’s vision to establish Shillong as India’s football capital. The Chief Minister, while addressing the trophy showcase ceremony, emphasised the transformative support extended to sports by his government in recent years. Shillong’s JN Sports Complex is set to host eight matches of the prestigious Durand Cup, including key quarter-final and semi-final encounters, promising a thrilling football spectacle for local fans.
Prior to the tournament’s kick-off on July 23, the coveted Durand Cup trophies will embark on a tour across Meghalaya, making stops in Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura. The month-long tournament, culminating on August 23, will spread its wings across five states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya, truly a pan-regional football fiesta.
In a further boost to athletic development, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri revealed that the government has sanctioned Rs 39.17 crore in grants to 26 sports associations. This funding is specifically earmarked for training initiatives in preparation for the 2027 National Games, with Meghalaya setting an ambitious target of clinching at least 50 medals. The long-term goal is to nurture and produce Olympic-calibre athletes from the state.
Several major infrastructure projects are currently underway to bolster Meghalaya’s sporting landscape. These include substantial upgrades to the JN Sports Complex and the Mawdiangdiang Sports Complex, the development of the PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, and the creation of an Integrated Hospitality and Sports Complex in Shillong. Furthermore, the government is committed to installing synthetic athletics tracks in every district headquarters, ensuring modern training facilities are accessible across the state.
Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, GOC 101 Area, expressed his profound gratitude for Meghalaya’s robust support in hosting the tournament. He lauded the state government’s “unwavering support” in preparing the venues and providing crucial logistical and administrative assistance. Demonstrating its hospitality and global outlook, Meghalaya is also hosting a foreign team for the tournament without any cost. The increased participation of local teams in this year’s edition is expected to ignite greater fan engagement throughout the region.
The ceremony concluded with a vibrant performance of the Meghalaya Durand Cup team song, “Here we go,” as officials and sports enthusiasts alike celebrated the return of the world’s fifth-oldest football tournament to the picturesque hills of Shillong. Dignitaries present included Air Marshal Suraj Singh, Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, and other senior military officers, alongside various state officials and keen sports aficionados.
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