By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 29: Meghalaya celebrated National Sports Day 2025 with a host of programmes across the state, honouring athletes, launching new initiatives, and promoting emerging sports.
At the central event organised by the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs in Shillong and Tura, 136 athletes and 22 coaches of the recent 6th Meghalaya Games were felicitated. In addition, financial assistance under the YESS Meghalaya initiative was extended to 103 beneficiaries, with cheques worth ₹45 lakh distributed to youth organisations, NGOs and societies.
Launched in 2022, YESS Meghalaya—a flagship programme of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma—aims to empower young people through awareness campaigns, educational projects, and grassroots activities that promote leadership and community participation.
Speaking at the occasion, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri highlighted the significance of National Sports Day as a celebration of fitness, inclusivity, and empowerment. He also announced the launch of Megha Fit Phase 1, an initiative with an initial investment of over ₹20 lakh to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle across the state. Warjri further revealed that the government has sanctioned ₹100 crore for establishing dedicated sports hostels to nurture upcoming talent.
In Tura, the programme was attended by Nipon Hajong, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, who underscored the unifying and transformative role of sports in society. Athletes also took a pledge to uphold the values of sportsmanship and discipline as part of the day’s observance.To commemorate this occasion, students from various schools across Thadlaskeiñ, Laskeiñ, and Amlarem Blocks in West Jaiñtia Hills District actively participated in a wide range of sporting events on Friday. Among the activities organised for children were races, traditional games, football matches, fun exercises, and mass drills. Teachers also narrated stories about hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, sharing his achievements to inspire the young minds.
Meanwhile, at Umiam Lake, the Umiam Sailing Club (USC), in collaboration with the UDAY Sailing Foundation and the Yachting Association of India (YAI), launched a three-day Sailing Awareness Campaign. The event, held under the theme “Every State, Every Lake”, drew 65 participants including USC sailors, school students, and kayaking enthusiasts.
The opening ceremony featured the administration of the Sports Pledge, an introduction to sailing, and community interactions. Over the three days, the campaign will include joy rides, yoga sessions on pontoons, sailing practice races, and a one-day regatta, culminating with a prize distribution ceremony on August 31.
A USC spokesperson expressed delight at the enthusiastic response, noting that the initiative seeks to demystify sailing and showcase it as a sport accessible to all, while celebrating the natural beauty of Meghalaya.
