Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on May 30, 2026, announced that Meghalaya will receive a High-Altitude Training Centre worth Rs 150 crore as part of a push to strengthen sports infrastructure in the Northeast, the minister said during a review meeting in Shillong. The announcement came as Mandaviya reviewed preparations for the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya is scheduled to host in 2027, and he expressed confidence that the state is on track to set new standards for the multi-sport event.
Officials at the meeting presented a detailed assessment of venue development, infrastructure projects and overall preparedness, outlining project timelines and flagging areas that need additional attention ahead of the Games. The review focused on ensuring facilities and logistics meet national standards and that construction and upgrades proceed on schedule.
Mandaviya urged organisers to use the National Games as a platform to spread awareness about the dangers of doping and called on authorities to educate athletes about its harmful impact. He also emphasised broader sports development during his three-day visit to the region, inaugurating a multipurpose integrated indoor sports hall in Shillong that he said will create opportunities for young athletes across Meghalaya and the wider Northeast.
The review was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Meghalaya Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, and sports officials from the eight Northeastern states. Participants discussed coordination between state and central agencies to fast-track projects and improve grassroots access to coaching and training.
Highlighting the government’s focus on equitable allocation of sporting resources, Mandaviya noted that resources are no longer distributed by state size or population. He pointed out that, while the Northeast accounts for around four percent of India’s population, nearly a quarter of all Khelo India Centres are located in the region, and several districts there have been allotted two Khelo India Centres compared with one in many other parts of the country to boost local training and talent development.
The Rs 150-crore high-altitude facility is intended to support elite training and sports science programmes suited to athletes preparing for competition at national and international levels, and to complement existing Khelo India infrastructure across the Northeast ahead of the 2027 National Games.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-to-get-rs-150-crore-high-altitude-training-centre-ahead-of-national-games-2027-1400207-2026-05-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-05-31 08:38:00
