GUWAHATI: With Meghalaya set to host the 39th National Games in 2027, the state government on Saturday, August 29, announced a series of measures to strengthen athlete support and preparations for the mega sporting event.
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Speaking at the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations in Shillong, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla announced a significant hike in cash rewards for National Games medal winners. The gold medal prize has been increased from ₹7,500 to ₹2 lakh, while silver and bronze medal winners will receive ₹1.5 lakh and ₹1 lakh, respectively.
The Minister also announced training stipends for Meghalaya’s contingent participating in the upcoming 39th National Games, along with special insurance provisions for sportspersons under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme.
The government is also preparing a stronger talent pipeline ahead of the National Games by establishing 125 grassroots football centres across Meghalaya and assessing 24,500 youths under the Sports Talent Identification, Development and Realisation Program (STAR).
A high-performance sports science centre at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex is also scheduled to be inaugurated in September 2026, aimed at improving athlete preparation and performance.
Highlighting the state’s increased investment in sports, Shylla said Meghalaya’s sports budget has risen from ₹40 crore in 2018 to more than ₹840 crore currently.
The government also highlighted the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy (MOSDAP), which provides direct government employment to athletes who win medals at major recognised sporting events, including the National Games, South Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympics.
Pynshngain Kurbah, a bronze medallist at the 38th National Games, received the first direct government appointment under MOSDAP during the National Sports Day programme.
As Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027, the government said the event will offer the state’s athletes an opportunity to compete against some of the country’s best sporting talent on home soil.