Shillong: A 28-member U-20 boys’ football team from Meghalaya is set to undergo a high-performance training camp at the prestigious Olympique Lyonnais Training Academy in Lyon, France.
The Elite Training Camp, scheduled from June 5 to 25, is aimed at honing the skills of the state’s top young footballers through international exposure and expert coaching.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma attended the team’s official send-off ceremony and underscored the state government’s commitment to youth development through sports.
Speaking to the players, he described the programme’s Rs. 2.80 crore cost not as an expense, but as a long-term investment in the future of Meghalaya’s youth.
“When the proposal came to me, I approved it without hesitation,” said the chief minister. “This is an investment. If even one player from this team makes it to the Indian Super League (ISL), the return on this investment will be achieved in just one season. That’s how I view this initiative — as a stepping stone for our youth and the future of football in Meghalaya.”
Highlighting the government’s broader vision, he noted that the state is set to have around 50 artificial turfs and is developing what could become the largest football stadium in India.
“From infrastructure to talent development and support for clubs and associations, we’re building a complete ecosystem for football in the state,” Sangma added.
He urged the players to remain focused during the camp, saying, “Remind yourselves every moment of the opportunity you’ve been given. Learn, experience, and make the most of this exposure.”
The squad was assembled by the Directorate of Sports and the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), following an intensive training camp at SSA Ground.
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The team also impressed during the U-20 National Championships in Chhattisgarh, reaching the semi-finals — a historic first at this level for Meghalaya.
Defender Rimankhraw Kharumnuid will captain the contingent in France.
Present at the send-off were senior officials including Richard Yangtham, Joint Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs; Saloni Verma, Executive Director of MBMA; Hamlet Dohling, President of the Meghalaya Football Association; and D.D. Shira, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, among others.
