Shillong, March 27: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the 1st edition of the Indian Sailing League (ISL) at the Umiam Water Sports Complex (Orchid Lake Resort), Umiam.
The league, being held from March 27 to 31, is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Umiam Sailing Club and the United De Novo Association of Yachting.
The event brought together 14 teams with 182 participants, including 58 international sailors from 8 countries, highlighting its international scale and competitive stature. Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira was also present, along with other dignitaries and representatives from various sailing associations.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the Indian Sailing League as part of a long-term vision to unlock the full potential of Umiam and position Meghalaya as a leading destination for tourism and international events.
Reflecting on earlier visits to the site, he noted that its potential had long been underutilised and emphasised the government’s efforts to transform it through planned development.
“This initiative has been in the making for a long time… we realised that the immense potential of this area was being underutilised. We therefore made a conscious decision to develop it in a manner that would unlock its full potential,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of Lt. Col. Alok Yadav and his team, along with Cyril V.D. Diengdoh and supporting agencies, in making the league a reality. Emphasising the broader approach of the government, he stated that events such as the ISL are part of a larger strategy.
“Our goal is clear: to create an environment where people say, ‘We want to visit Shillong, we want to visit Meghalaya.’ The larger message is that Meghalaya has arrived, Shillong has arrived—we are ready.”
Highlighting progress in infrastructure, he noted that while the state had no five-star hotels in 2018, two are now operational with several more in the pipeline. He also informed that a Taj Spa Resort is expected to come up at Umiam, further enhancing tourism infrastructure.
On connectivity, he pointed out that Shillong airport is now operational, with expansion underway to accommodate larger aircraft by 2027, enabling direct connectivity with major cities.
The Chief Minister further highlighted Meghalaya’s growing profile as an events destination, citing international concerts, film festivals, and sporting events. “Each initiative forms part of a larger, interconnected roadmap for the state’s growth over the next 5, 15, and even 50 years,” he said.
He also referred to preparations for hosting the National Games in 2027 and ongoing investments in sports infrastructure, including a slalom course at Umtam. Looking ahead, he expressed the state’s ambition to host events linked to the 2036 Olympics, particularly in sailing and water sports.
Underscoring the importance of sustained tourism activity, he said the aim is to ensure that visitors always have reasons to come to Meghalaya. He thanked participants for their presence and encouraged feedback to further strengthen the league. “Our intention is to establish this as a regular calendar event and elevate it to national and international standards,” he stated.
Encouraging participants, he added, “Safety remains paramount… I urge all participants to take necessary precautions,” and concluded by formally declaring the league open and wishing all teams success.
Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, Chief Executive Officer, USC, in his welcome address, described the event as a landmark moment for Meghalaya and sailing in India. He noted the strong national and international participation and termed the occasion historic for the state.
He emphasised that hosting the league is a step towards positioning Umiam as a global destination for water sports and highlighted the state’s preparations for the National Games 2027, while encouraging young sailors to strive for excellence.
Marthon J. Sangma, Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), stated that the event marks a significant milestone in leveraging Umiam Lake’s potential beyond scenic tourism.
He highlighted the role of the Umiam Sailing Club and noted that such initiatives, supported by MTDC, contribute to both tourism growth and sporting culture, while enhancing the state’s visibility as a sporting destination.
Earlier, Lt. Col. Alok Yadav, Commissioner League, delivered the introductory address, describing the league as a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at making sailing more engaging and accessible.
He noted the overwhelming response to the event and informed that the league is in the process of applying for records, including the largest fleet and highest international participation in an Indian sailing event. Emphasising safety, he called for fair competition and adherence to the spirit of sportsmanship.
The inaugural programme included felicitation of guests, captains and technical officials, cultural performances, and the release of a postal stamp and sailing magazine, followed by the inauguration of the sailing race.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Brenda L. Pakyntein, Director of Tourism, followed by group photographs and media interaction.
The Indian Sailing League is expected to further strengthen Meghalaya’s profile as a destination for water sports and international sporting events.
