Shillong, July 12: The Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma officially launched and inaugurated the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 today at the State Convention Centre in the presence of a host of the league office bearers of the Meghalaya Football Association namely President, Hamletson Dohling, Sunesh Syiem, Secretary and other working members of the Association along with officials of the Meghalaya Olympic Association, President, John F Kharshiing.
In his opening remarks Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, that it is indeed a great initiative by the Meghalaya Football Association to host the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 and it is a great platform to scout young potential talent.
This is a game changing league that will have a huge impact on the overall football scene in the state, the region and also throughout the country.
When heI was approached by the president of the MFA, I did not hesitate to approve and extend the support of the Government towards the association because the Meghalaya Football Association is a credible association and has contributed immensely towards the development of the Sport and uplifting young talent in the State.
“It is the eager expectation that our youth can build a career from the discipline and play professionally and the support of the government will always be there to invest in the future of the state,” he said and highlighted the overall strategy the government towards Sports.
He further said that the government, with the collaboration of collective bodies like the MFA will provide the necessary platforms and opportunities for the youth so that they can perform and be an asset to their associations, the State and country as a whole. He further stressed on the importance in the investment and focus towards the youth as their energy needs to be channelled in the right direction.
He also said that it is important to ensure the nurturing of budding talents so that they can wholeheartedly follow their passion and informed that it is on these lines that the government has hosted 3 out of the 5 Meghalaya Games in the last 7 years.
He further said that the Government has created more infrastructures towards sports in the last 5 years and is set to build more sports infrastructure in the years to come.
The league will start from the 20th of July 2024 with the participation of different associations based on regions from different parts of the state. The league is segregated in two sections Sub Junior level for players Under 14 years of age and the junior level for players Under 16 years of age.
The league is structured as an inter-district format across the state of Meghalaya consisting of all the 20 affiliated districts associations of the Meghalaya Football Association.
East Zone- Shillong Sports Association, Sohra Sports Association, Riwar Mihngi Football Association, Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association and Western Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association.
West Khasi Hills Zone- Tyrsad Area Sports Association, Eastern Border Sports Association, Eastern West Khasi Hills( Pyndemumiong Sports Association), Mawkyrwat District Sports Association, Nongstoin District Sports Association, Mawshynrut Sports Association.
Jaintia Hills Zone- West Jaintia Hills District Sports Association, East Jaintia Hills District Football Sports Association, Amlarem Sports Association, Saipung Block Sports Association and Laskein Sports Association
Garo Hills Zone- District Sports Association of Tura, Williamnagar District Sports Association, District Sports Association North Garo Hills and Baghmara District Sports Association.
The main intention of hosting the league is to scout talent at both levels to represent the State at the National Football Championships and is looking forward to make the league an annual event.
