In less than a year, Meghalaya will welcome the nation for the 39th National Games. Athletes will arrive chasing glory. Stadiums will come alive with competition. Medals will be won and records will be broken.
But before the starting whistles are blown and before the first medal is awarded, Meghalaya is bringing together the people shaping the future of Indian sport.
On June 16, the Meghalaya Sports Conclave 2026, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, will convene at the Courtyard by Marriott in Shillong, gathering Olympians, sporting administrators, policymakers and industry leaders for a day of dialogue focused on one question: how can India build a sporting ecosystem that is future-ready, athlete-centric and globally competitive?
As the state prepares to host the National Games in 2027, the conclave represents far more than a ceremonial precursor. It is an opportunity to examine the systems, innovations and partnerships required to transform sporting potential into sustained excellence.
A gathering of the people who have lived the journey
Few forums can claim a line-up that spans Olympic podiums, global sporting bodies and some of the most influential voices in sports development.
Among the distinguished participants is Dr. Adille Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics, and one of the foremost architects of modern sports governance in India. Having spent decades shaping athletics at both national and international levels, Dr. Sumariwalla brings a unique perspective on how policy, administration and athlete development must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing sporting landscape.
Among the sporting stars at the conclave will be Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, whose remarkable rise from a young shooting prodigy to one of India's most accomplished athletes has inspired millions across the country. Her journey reflects the growing confidence of Indian sport and the emergence of athletes who are increasingly capable of competing with, and defeating, the very best in the world.
Known to millions as the 'Wall of Indian Hockey', PR Sreejesh will bring the perspective of an athlete who stood at the heart of India's hockey renaissance. Renowned for his composure under pressure and match-winning performances, the legendary goalkeeper's journey embodies the resilience, leadership and pursuit of excellence that define elite sport.
Adding further depth to the conversation is Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist and a globally respected advocate for athlete welfare, sports science and high-performance systems. Through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, he has consistently championed a holistic approach to athlete development, placing equal emphasis on performance, well-being and long-term sustainability.
The conclave will also spotlight the transformative rise of Indian para sport through the presence of two extraordinary athletes, World Archery Para Champion Sheetal Devi and Paralympic gold medallist Harvinder Singh. Born without arms, Sheetal Devi has captivated the sporting world by redefining the boundaries of possibility, becoming one of the most celebrated para archers of her generation through a unique technique that allows her to shoot using her feet and shoulders. Harvinder Singh, meanwhile, etched his name into history as India's first Paralympic gold medallist in archery, showcasing the growing depth and competitiveness of the country's para-sport ecosystem on the global stage. Together, their journeys stand as powerful reminders that sporting excellence is as much about perseverance, innovation and opportunity as it is about talent.
Joining them will be Arjuna Awardee Hima Das, whose rise from rural Assam to international athletics success transformed her into one of the defining faces of Indian track and field. Together, they represent not just sporting success, but the lived experience behind it, the lessons, challenges and insights that can help shape the next generation of Indian athletes.
Beyond medals: Reimagining Indian sport
The Meghalaya Sports Conclave 2026 has been designed around three themes that sit at the heart of contemporary sporting discourse.
The first focuses on transforming sports governance, exploring how institutions can become more transparent, athlete-focused and responsive to the needs of a growing sporting nation. Discussions will examine policy frameworks, youth engagement and the importance of maintaining integrity through stronger anti-doping awareness and compliance.
The second theme turns towards innovation and digital transformation. From data-driven performance systems to technology-enabled talent identification and sustainable infrastructure development, experts will explore how innovation is reshaping the future of sport around the world.
The third pillar centres on holistic athlete development. Increasingly, success in sport is understood as extending beyond training and competition. Conversations will address education, life skills, mental well-being, nutrition, coaching ecosystems and long-term support structures that enable athletes to thrive both on and off the field.
Meghalaya's sporting moment
The active participation of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Wailadmiki Shylla, Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P Ahammed and Commissioner & Secretary (Department of Sports and Youth Affairs) Dr Vijay Kumar D signals the government’s commitment to placing sport at the centre of Meghalaya’s development story.
Through focused discussions on governance reform, athlete welfare, technological innovation and infrastructure development, the conclave aims to generate insights that can translate into tangible outcomes, including stronger institutions, better support systems for athletes and more effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.
As Meghalaya prepares to welcome the nation for the 39th National Games, the Sports Conclave serves as both a showcase of ambition and a blueprint for action. The medals may be won next year, but the foundations for future success are being laid today.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Meghalaya Sports Conclave by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.
