Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 on July 12 at the State Convention Centre, marking a significant initiative to nurture football talent across the state. Organised by the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), the league will kick off on July 20 and is structured around two age categories: Under-14 (Sub Junior) and Under-16 (Junior). It adopts an inter-district format involving all 20 affiliated district associations of the MFA.
Teams are grouped into four zones: East Zone, West Khasi Hills Zone, Jaintia Hills Zone, and Garo Hills Zone, ensuring comprehensive participation from districts across Meghalaya. Chief Minister Sangma underscored the league’s role in scouting young talent and its potential to bolster football development at local, regional, and national levels. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting sports initiatives and enhancing sports infrastructure in the state.
Highlighting the state’s sports strategy, Sangma mentioned the successful hosting of the Meghalaya Games, with three editions held in the past seven years. He emphasized the importance of providing constructive outlets for youth energy and fostering platforms for young athletes to excel. The launch event saw the presence of MFA President Hamletson Dohling, Secretary Sunesh Syiem, and officials from the Meghalaya Olympic Association, including President John F Kharshiing.
The Meghalaya Youth League aims to identify promising players who can represent the state in National Football Championships. Organisers envision this league as an annual fixture, contributing significantly to the sustained growth of football in Meghalaya.
