Meghalaya allocates over Rs 840 crore to sports, hikes athlete incentives

The Meghalaya state government said its sports budget for the current fiscal year has crossed Rs 840 crore, a notable rise from previous allocations. The additional funds will be directed towards upgrading facilities, hosting state‑level tournaments and, most prominently, increasing cash incentives for athletes who win medals at national and international events. Under the new scheme, prize money for gold, silver and bronze medalists is higher than in the prior year. The sports minister highlighted that the move aims to boost participation and improve performance of Meghalaya's sportspersons on larger stages, with earmarked spending for training camps, equipment and hiring expert coaches. Analysts view the sizable allocation as a signal of the state's ambition to become a sports hub in the Northeast, while stressing that effective implementation will be crucial.