Meghalaya CM launches football fan park in Shillong: Free live World Cup screenings for all

Shillong (The Uttam Hindu): The Meghalaya government is celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a special way. The Chief Minister Football Fan Park will be inaugurated in Shillong on Friday. This initiative aims to provide football fans with a place where they can enjoy free World Cup matches on large LED screens.

This fan park has been built in the SRGT parking lot at Polo in Shillong. Here, football fans will be able to sit together and watch matches and collectively experience the excitement of the World Cup. The government believes this will further increase public enthusiasm for the sport and strengthen the football culture in the state.

According to government officials, the Fan Park will broadcast matches live at times convenient for Indian viewers. These include matches starting at 9:30 pm, 10:30 pm, and 12:30 am. This will allow a large number of people to enjoy the World Cup without any hassle.

Most importantly, entry to this fan park will be completely free throughout the tournament. Not only locals but also tourists visiting Meghalaya will be able to enjoy the matches here. The government hopes this will boost tourism and further strengthen the state's reputation as a sports-loving state.

Along with live screenings of matches, cultural events will also be held. Artists associated with the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program will perform. This will showcase a unique blend of football and Meghalaya's rich cultural heritage. The government believes that integrating sports and culture will increase both participation and enthusiasm.

Officials say the aim of this initiative is not just to showcase matches, but also to strengthen community spirit by bringing people together on a common platform. This will increase youth interest in football and inspire them to take up the sport. Meghalaya has long been known for its football scene. The state has produced many talented players, and the passion for football is immense among the people here. Keeping this in mind, the state government has been continuously investing in sports facilities and developing players at the grassroots level over the past few years.

This initiative is also part of the government's larger plan to build India's largest football stadium in Mawkhnou. This project is expected to significantly improve Meghalaya's sports infrastructure and solidify its position as one of the country's strongest football hubs.