By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 1: The state government will soon implement the Meghalaya Sportsperson Direct Recruitment Policy, under which sportspersons who bring laurels to the State at national and international events will be directly appointed to government jobs, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla announced on Saturday.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the year-long golden jubilee celebrations of the Umpling Sports Club at Dong Shaneng (Mawarling Football Ground), he said the policy is in its final stages, with the roster and related procedures being finalised.
“Sportspersons who win medals at the National Games, Asian Games, Olympics or Paralympics will be directly appointed to government jobs,” Shylla said, adding they will no longer need to appear for examinations or undergo recruitment processes.
He noted that previously, sportspersons were covered under a two per cent job reservation quota, requiring medal-winning athletes to compete among themselves for government employment. “This system discouraged many players from training and also demotivated parents from supporting their children’s sporting ambitions,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong recalled that the Meghalaya Sports Policy was introduced in 2009 and merged with the Centre’s National Sports Policy in 2025. “Sport is not merely a recreational activity; it must be taken up as a profession for our youth. This principle guided the integration of state and national policies and the decision to provide permanent government jobs to those who bring honour to the State by winning medals,” he said.
Tynsong also highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle social challenges affecting youth and urged young people to remain cautious while collectively working to eradicate social evils from villages and communities.
“These initiatives are based on the National Sports Policy, and I firmly believe they will benefit our sports-loving youth,” he added, dismissing claims of government inactivity.
He praised the memorandums and presentations submitted by the Umpling Sports Club, noting their long-term benefits for the community, and assured that the second phase of the Mini Sports Complex would be completed.
Shylla highlighted the significant increase in the Sports Department’s budget. For nearly six to seven years, the annual allocation had been Rs 50-60 crore, limiting infrastructure development, tournaments and youth support.
“In the current financial year, the budget has risen to Rs 449 crore, reflecting a substantial rise in investment in sports development,” he said.
He added that the work at New Shillong is progressing steadily and Meghalaya will become the third State in the country to host the National Games next year.
Preparations are underway, funds have been released to sports associations, and infrastructure projects are moving forward. “We are confident that all work will be completed within the stipulated time frame,” Shylla said.
Encouraging sports clubs to actively engage with the government, Shylla noted that various schemes are available for assistance. Referring to Umpling Sports Club, he said the Mini Stadium has already been completed. “You waited 50 years for this Mini Stadium. The remaining requirements will be addressed without delay, in coordination with local leaders,” he assured.
The Umpling Sports Club had begun its year-long golden jubilee celebrations in October 2024 with a flag-hoisting ceremony and community activities at the Umpling Dorbar Shnong premises.
