SHILLONG, July 15: Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday said the overwhelming response to the World Cup Football Fan Parks reflects the state’s deep-rooted passion for football, with the packed turnout in Jowai underscoring the popularity of the initiative.
Shylla said the Football Fan Park concept was initiated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, with the first venue set up in Polo, Shillong. He noted that the Shillong Fan Park gained international attention after it was featured on FIFA’s official platforms.
Encouraged by the success of the Shillong venue, the government expanded the initiative by setting up Football Fan Parks in Jowai and Tura. Referring to the large gathering at the Jowai Fan Park during on Tuesday night’s screening, Shylla said the turnout demonstrated not only Meghalaya’s love for football but also the ability of the sport to bring people together. He said the enthusiastic response to the Fan Parks reflects the football culture of the state and expressed confidence that such initiatives would continue to promote the game while providing supporters with a shared viewing experience during major international tournaments.
Investment in sports showing results
Shylla said the state government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots development and athlete welfare is beginning to produce results, citing the achievements of local footballers and recent policy initiatives.
He said Meghalaya is constructing what is expected to be the country’s largest dedicated football stadium and has established nearly 125 grassroots football centres across the state under the Chief Minister’s football initiatives to nurture young talent.
Highlighting the government’s support for competitive football, he said Shillong Lajong FC received financial assistance of Rs 3 crore under the Chief Minister’s Football Mission.
He noted that the club finished runners-up in the recently concluded I-League with a squad comprising predominantly local players, which he said reflects the growing strength of football in the state.
The minister also pointed to individual achievements by Meghalaya footballers, stating that a Shillong Lajong player from the state was named the Most Valuable Player in the I-League, while Sanfida Nongrum earned the Most Valuable Player award at the South Asian women’s football tournament.
Shylla further highlighted the recently approved Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy, under which the first appointment order was handed over to National Games medallist Pynshngain Kurbah.
