Shillong sets the tone with Durand Cup inauguration as Meghalaya accelerates National Games 2027 plans

Durand Cup returns to Shillong for a second successive year.

Meghalaya is fast transforming into a sporting epicentre of India as it hosted the grand inauguration of the Durand Cup 2025 while intensifying preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027.

The back-to-back landmark developments have placed the state in the national spotlight, signalling its growing commitment towards sports and youth development.

The newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong came alive as Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated the 134th Edition of the Durand Cup.

Speaking at the dazzling opening ceremony, Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “We are very happy and extremely proud that Shillong is one of the host cities for the Durand Cup for the second consecutive year. This is a great moment for us. We thank the Indian Armed Forces for selecting Shillong again. Football is in the DNA of this region, and we are promoting the game from the grassroots to the professional level.”

Shillong Lajong kickstarts Group E in style

In the opening Group E match, the home team Shillong Lajong FC secured a stunning 6-0 victory against Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM FA), setting the tone for an electrifying tournament.

All Group E matches, including the quarter-finals and semi-finals, will be held in Shillong. Cultural and martial arts performances, including Kalarippayattu, motorcycle stunts, MGMP artist showcases, and army band renditions, added vibrance to the evening.

Hosting the Durand Cup for the second year in a row, Meghalaya has not only proved its organisational capabilities but also demonstrated its readiness for much bigger events, particularly the 39th National Games in 2027.

As a precursor, a significant North Eastern Inter-State Coordination Meeting was held in Shillong, where Sports Ministers and officials from all NE States came together to support Meghalaya’s roadmap.

Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, stated, “We are committed to promoting inclusivity across all the North Eastern States. Meghalaya is fully equipped to host the National Games and aims to foster regional unity and sporting excellence.”

Echoing this spirit of cooperation, Shri Kento Jini, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh, said, “This is the right time to show that we are not lagging behind, be it infrastructure or sporting talent. We are grateful to Meghalaya for spearheading this collective journey.”

Meghalaya sets ambitious vision for 39th National Games 2027

Dr. Vijay Kumar D., Commissioner & Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya, presented the State’s comprehensive preparedness plan.

Meghalaya has invested over ₹1500 crore in developing and upgrading 518 sports facilities across the State by 2028. Under the Chief Minister’s Mission Football 2.0, over 10,000 footballers are being trained. Through the STAR program, 24,500 athletes have been evaluated.

Additionally, a total grant of ₹39.17 crore has been disbursed to 26 State Sports Associations and the Meghalaya State Olympic Association under the Team Meghalaya initiative for structured training and preparation.

National Games 2027 to feature over 10,000 athletes in 30+ sports

With over 10,000 athletes expected to compete in more than 30 disciplines, the 39th National Games promises to be the largest sporting event ever held in the State.

Meghalaya’s dual hosting of the Durand Cup and National Games preparation marks a historic leap forward in North East India’s developing sports infrastructure, setting a model of excellence, inclusivity, and grassroots empowerment.

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