Northeast Sports Bodies Propose 686 Indoor Multi-Purpose Halls to Boost Grassroots Sports
Shillong, March 20, 2026 — The North East Sports Association (NESA) has formally submitted a major proposal to the Central Government for the construction of 686 pre-engineered building (PEB) multi-purpose indoor sports halls across the eight Northeastern states, with 55 of them earmarked for Meghalaya.
The proposal was presented on March 19, 2026, in New Delhi during a meeting between NESA Secretary General John F. Kharshiing and Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia. Kharshiing also serves as Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board.
Each proposed hall will measure 70m × 50m × 8.5m and function as an all-weather, cost-effective facility suitable for a wide range of indoor sports. The plan calls for a phased rollout, primarily targeting Community and Rural Development (C&RD) blocks to ensure better access in rural and remote areas where basic sports infrastructure remains limited.
State-wise Distribution of Proposed Indoor Sports Halls
- Arunachal Pradesh: 129
- Assam: 239
- Manipur: 70
- Meghalaya: 55
- Mizoram: 28
- Nagaland: 74
- Sikkim: 33
- Tripura: 58
Total: 686
The initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in sports facilities, providing year-round training venues and community spaces for youth engagement. By improving grassroots infrastructure, it seeks to nurture talent, enhance competitive standards, and support the region’s preparation for national and international events.
Additional Proposals Presented
Alongside the indoor halls, Kharshiing pitched two other key initiatives:
- Strong support for hosting the 4th North East Games 2026 in Arunachal Pradesh, expected to bring together over 3,500 athletes and 500 officials from the eight states. The event is viewed as a vital platform for regional integration, talent development, and aligning with national benchmarks.
- Establishment of a dedicated CSR-style seed fund to assist athletes and state associations with travel, logistics, training, and participation in national competitions. This would also aid preparations for the upcoming 39th National Games, with Meghalaya playing a significant role.
Minister Scindia appreciated the proposals and assured that they would be examined once formally routed through the respective state governments. The discussion was described as a positive step toward building a more robust and inclusive sporting ecosystem in the Northeast.
The proposal aligns with broader central schemes such as Khelo India and ongoing state-level infrastructure efforts. No specific funding commitment or implementation timeline has been announced yet, as the suggestions remain at the proposal stage and will require further processing and approvals.
This push for widespread indoor sports halls could mark a transformative step for sports development in the region, particularly by empowering rural youth with modern, accessible facilities. Updates are expected once the proposals are formally reviewed by the Centre and state governments.
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