SHILLONG: What was once a quiet, overgrown burial ground has now transformed into a vibrant space buzzing with the echoes of bouncing balls and youthful laughter. Sports Minister Weiladmiki Shylla, yesterday, officially inaugurated the newly constructed Futsal and Basketball courts at Madan Shnong, Mawprem—facilities that many believe will change the sporting landscape of the locality.
The inauguration drew an impressive gathering: former Minister and current MLA of West Shillong Paul Lyngdoh, former Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, headmen from ten Dorbar Shnongs under the constituency, and community members who have watched this transformation unfold over the years.
A Cemetery Reborn: The Story Behind the Ground
Standing at the center of the court he had helped make possible, Paul Lyngdoh shared a remarkable truth about the land beneath their feet—it was once a cemetery.
“But through the large-heartedness and encouragement of everyone,” he said, “we were able to turn it into a playing field.”
His words stirred a sense of pride in the crowd, many of whom had long envisioned this neglected patch becoming something meaningful.
With the courts now open, Paul expressed hope that Mawprem would soon produce athletes who shine far beyond state borders. He urged the Mawprem Sports Culture Society to continue nurturing young talent and to ensure that the new facilities become a launchpad for futures shaped by discipline and determination.
“As a community,” he added, “we must resolve that Mawprem should no longer be seen as a drug hotspot, but as a hotspot of talent and skill.”
A Government Betting Big on Youth and Sports
In his address, Sports Minister Weiladmiki Shylla highlighted the urgency of investing in young people—who make up nearly 60% of Meghalaya’s population.
With youth come dreams, energy, and potential—but also vulnerabilities, including rising drug misuse. The Minister said the Government is aware of this challenge and is tackling it head-on through sports and youth development initiatives.
He noted the remarkable growth in the Sports Department budget—from ₹200 crore earlier to more than ₹400 crore today—allowing the state to build more community sports infrastructure.
Among upcoming projects is what he described as Meghalaya’s largest playing field, to be constructed in Mawkhanu. Schemes like YES Meghalaya—offering ₹2 lakh annually to help conduct tournaments—and the Chief Minister Youth Development Scheme (CMYDS) are also in place to nurture local talent.
One of the most significant announcements he highlighted was the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy 2025. Under this new policy, young athletes who win medals at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, South Asian Games, or National Games will receive direct government appointments, bypassing standard recruitment procedures.
He encouraged youth to reject social evils and embrace sports not only as a pastime, but as a pathway to opportunity.
Managed by the Community, For the Community
For many locals, the new courts symbolize both growth and unity. Headman of Madan Shnong Mawprem stated that the land had remained unused for years. It took persistent effort from MLA Paul Lyngdoh and community leaders to bring this vision to life.
The facility will be managed by the Mawprem Sports Culture Society, which will collect nominal fees to maintain and further improve the premises. However, in a gesture of inclusiveness, school children will play for free, and local youth will enjoy discounted rates.
A New Chapter for Mawprem
The inauguration marks more than just the opening of two sports courts. It signals the beginning of a new chapter—one where a once-forgotten corner of Mawprem becomes a hub of activity, ambition, and hope.
In a locality often battling stereotypes and challenges, these courts stand as a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together with purpose. What was once a burial ground is now a symbol of rebirth—a place where dreams will be shaped, friendships formed, and futures rewritten.
For Mawprem, this is not just infrastructure. It is inspiration.
