SHILLONG, MAY 7: The 2026 football season of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA) was formally launched today at the SSA Ground in Shillong by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Wailadmiki Shylla, as the Guest of Honour, former Sports Minister and SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh, along with officials of the association, participating teams, players, and members of the football community.
During the programme, the Chief Minister officially declared the 2026 football season open and hoisted the SSA flag, marking the formal commencement of the league season.
Addressing players, officials, and football enthusiasts, he congratulated the Meghalaya Football Association and the Shillong Sports Association for their continued efforts in strengthening football culture in the state.
“Football holds a very special place in the hearts of our people, and the youth of Meghalaya have always shown immense passion for the game. For many years, we were not able to provide the kind of platform, support, and opportunities that football truly deserved. I am happy that in the last few years, through the collective efforts of the Government, sports administrators, and stakeholders, we have been able to make significant progress,” he said.
Reaffirming the Government’s vision for sports development, the Chief Minister said, “Our vision is clear—we want Meghalaya, and Shillong in particular, to become the football capital of India.” He said that while investment in infrastructure remains important, equal emphasis must be placed on developing human capital in sports. “We must invest in our players, our coaches, our tournaments, and our leagues. Whether at the city level, district level, or eventually even at the block level, we must create opportunities for young boys and girls to compete, grow, and dream of representing Meghalaya at the highest level.”
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to grassroots football, he said the true revival of the sport would happen only when opportunities reach even the remotest villages of the state. “That is how excitement for football will grow—when young players in every village look forward to league matches and believe that they too can make it to the top.”
The Chief Minister also recalled the Government’s support to the SSA over the years. He informed that when the association first approached him, support of ₹28 lakh was sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant, which was later enhanced to ₹30 lakh for the previous season. Continuing that support this year, he announced an assistance of ₹32 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the successful conduct of the 2026 football season.
Sharing a message with the players, the Chief Minister said, “Winning and losing are both part of sports, just as they are part of life. What truly matters is how you approach the game, what lessons you learn from it, how hard you work, how disciplined you remain, and how gracefully you accept both victory and defeat. That is the true spirit of sportsmanship.”
He further emphasized that the Government wants sports to become an integral part of every young person’s life. “Not everyone will become a superstar, but every young person can become stronger, more disciplined, and a better individual through sports.”
SSA General Secretary Dipshon L. Nongbri thanked the Chief Minister and the Government for their continued support towards football development in the state. He noted that the support extended during the previous season enabled the association to successfully conduct all five divisions of its football league, including women’s football and grassroots tournaments.
Highlighting the impact of the financial assistance, he informed that nearly 95 percent of the grant received from the Government had been utilized as cash prizes for affiliated clubs participating in the SSA Football Tournament.
Highlighting the legacy of the association, he said the Shillong Sports Association, established in 1916, is affiliated with over 100 clubs across Greater Shillong and has remained at the forefront of football development in Meghalaya for over a century.
During his address, he also placed before the Government a proposal for the construction of a modern sitting gallery and related infrastructure at the SSA Stadium along the Umkhrah River riverfront. He informed that the Detailed Project Report for the proposed project is ready and expressed hope that the Government would consider notifying the SSA as the implementing agency as the association approaches 110 years of its existence.
The occasion also featured the presentation of the SSA jersey and mementos to the dignitaries, introduction of participating teams, and a photo session with players and officials.
The opening match of the season was played between Mawnianglah Youth Sports Association and Sei La Sap FCC following the ceremonial kickoff.
