“Meghalaya has arrived, Shillong has arrived—we are ready”
Shillong, March 27: Meghalaya marked a major push to position itself on the global sporting and tourism map, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurating the maiden edition of the Indian Sailing League (ISL) at the scenic Umiam Lake.
The five-day league, running from March 27 to 31 at the Umiam Water Sports Complex, has drawn 14 teams and 182 participants, including 58 international sailors from eight countries—signalling its ambition to evolve into a major global sailing event.
Calling the league a “long-term vision in action,” Sangma said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to unlock Umiam’s untapped potential and transform Meghalaya into a hub for high-value tourism and international events. “Meghalaya has arrived, Shillong has arrived—we are ready,” he asserted, underscoring the state’s push to attract global attention.
The event, organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Umiam Sailing Club and the United De Novo Association of Yachting, reflects a growing emphasis on water sports as a key tourism driver in the region.
Sangma highlighted rapid strides in infrastructure, noting that Meghalaya, which had no five-star hotels in 2018, now has two operational, with more in the pipeline. He also announced plans for a Taj Spa Resort at Umiam and ongoing expansion of Shillong Airport to handle larger aircraft by 2027, improving connectivity with major Indian cities.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira and other dignitaries were present at the inaugural ceremony, which featured cultural performances, the release of a commemorative postal stamp and a sailing magazine, and the ceremonial flag-off of races.
Officials said the league could set new benchmarks, with organisers applying for records related to the largest sailing fleet and highest international participation in an Indian sailing event.
Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, CEO of the Umiam Sailing Club, described the event as a “historic milestone” for both Meghalaya and Indian sailing, while Marthon J. Sangma, Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, said the initiative expands Umiam’s identity beyond scenic tourism into a competitive sporting destination.
With preparations underway for the 2027 National Games and ambitions to host international competitions linked to the 2036 Olympics, the state is betting on events like the ISL to build long-term visibility.
 at the scenic Umiam Lake.){kind=link}