Minerva Academy FC founder Ranjit Bajaj has strongly commended Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for what he described as visionary leadership and active support for the state’s youth and local talent.
Bajaj highlighted several initiatives of the Meghalaya government aimed at providing young people with opportunities and financial support. He particularly pointed to welfare measures for artists, including financial stipends, as well as block-level football leagues that provide ₹8,000 to participating local players.
According to Bajaj, such direct government support can play an important role in keeping young people meaningfully engaged by giving them avenues to pursue their talents and aspirations.
He said initiatives that provide structured opportunities for youth can also help steer them away from drugs, crime and militancy by keeping them involved in productive activities.
Bajaj also praised the state government’s approach to decision-making, saying that the administration has been able to act quickly without excessive bureaucratic delays. He described Chief Minister Conrad Sangma as an approachable “people’s man” whose hands-on style of leadership has helped create confidence among young people and opened up new opportunities across Meghalaya.
The Minerva Academy FC founder said Meghalaya’s focus on grassroots sports and youth development could have a lasting impact, particularly by identifying and nurturing talent at the local and block levels.
He further emphasised that continued government backing for sports, arts and other youth-oriented programmes could help Meghalaya build a stronger ecosystem for young talent while contributing to wider social development.
Bajaj’s remarks come at a time when Meghalaya is placing increased emphasis on grassroots sports development and preparations for hosting the National Games 2027, with football and other sporting disciplines expected to play a key role in providing opportunities for the state’s young athletes.