‘Give them something to do’: Ranjit Bajaj backs Meghalaya’s Rs 8,000 grassroots football push

Meghalaya’s decision to put money directly into grassroots football is drawing attention from Minerva Academy FC founder Ranjit Bajaj, who says such programmes can do more than identify sporting talent — they can give young people a reason to stay away from drugs, crime and militancy.

Bajaj highlighted the state’s block-level football leagues, under which participating local players receive Rs 8,000, as an example of how government-backed sporting programmes can create tangible opportunities for young people.

He also pointed to financial support for artists, arguing that similar investment in sports, culture and other areas of youth development can give young people avenues to turn their interests into meaningful pursuits.

“Give them something to do and give them an opportunity,” Bajaj said, stressing the role of structured programmes in keeping young people engaged in productive activities.

He also praised the Meghalaya government’s approach to implementing such initiatives, saying decisions were being taken without excessive bureaucratic delays. He described Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as an approachable leader and credited his administration with creating greater opportunities for young people.

For Bajaj, the significance of Meghalaya’s grassroots football push lies in its reach. Rather than concentrating opportunities in major towns or established academies, block-level competitions can help identify players from communities that might otherwise remain outside the organised sporting system.

The approach could also become increasingly significant as Meghalaya prepares to host the National Games in 2027, with the state seeking to strengthen its sporting infrastructure and develop a wider pool of athletes.

Bajaj said sustained investment in grassroots sport and youth programmes could help Meghalaya build a stronger talent pipeline while addressing some of the social challenges facing its younger population.