Shillong, July 31: Bollywood actor and Northeast United FC co-owner John Abraham on Friday unveiled plans to set up a football academy in the Northeast within the next two years, saying he hopes to produce the region’s own Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi while urging young people to stay away from drugs and embrace sports.
Speaking at “Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat Against Drugs,” an anti-drug awareness programme organised by the Meghalaya government under the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), Abraham described the Northeast as the “hotbed of football” in India.
“I want to see a Ronaldo or a Messi coming from the Northeast,” he said, adding that the proposed football academy would nurture talented youngsters and help them compete at the highest level.
Interacting with students at the State Guest House in Shillong, Abraham encouraged them to reject substance abuse and adopt a disciplined lifestyle centred on sports, fitness and strong values.
He also praised Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, calling him “one of the nicest human beings,” and expressed his affection for Shillong and the Northeast.
Social Welfare Adviser Paul Lyngdoh, who attended the programme as chief guest, said Meghalaya is making major investments in sports infrastructure, including Abraham’s proposed academy and what he described as India’s largest football stadium coming up in Shillong.
“The region is poised for a future brighter than the sun,” Lyngdoh said.
The event, held under the DREAM Mission launched in 2022, focused on prevention, rehabilitation and community participation in the fight against substance abuse.
A key highlight was the flagging off of a dedicated vehicle for Asha Bhavan Rehabilitation Centre in Tura to strengthen drug rehabilitation services in the state.
Abraham was also felicitated at the programme alongside recovery champions, while participants took a pledge at the “Dream Wall of Commitment” to support the goal of building a drug-free Meghalaya.
