Shillong: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on May 14, 2026, inaugurated the newly renovated SPS Tynrai Football Arena within the premises of Shillong Public School, Laitumkhrah, marking a significant step forward for the school in partnership with Tynrai Academy.
Addressing the gathering, Lahkmen Rymbui encouraged students to pursue sports alongside academics. He said that sports play a very important role in shaping a student’s skills and personality. He advised students to always keep their goals as their top priority and to prepare a proper plan to achieve them.
He also said that Shillong Public School is one of the most sought-after schools in the city when compared to many government schools. According to him, people are attracted to the school because of its faculty and the way it helps shape the minds of students. He told the students that they were fortunate to study in the institution.
Rymbui further reminded the students that the building once served as the office of the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills and that many IAS officers had been associated with it. He urged the students to strive for success and expressed hope that some of them would one day qualify for the civil services and proudly say that they studied in a building that once housed the administrative headquarters of East Khasi Hills.
He added that with the new sports infrastructure, students now have the opportunity to develop both their physical and mental abilities. What is important, he said, is for students to discover their talents and work towards enhancing them.
Speaking on the importance of sports, Rymbui said that sports are not just a hobby. He informed that the Government of Meghalaya has ensured that medal winners at the national, international, Olympic, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games levels are assured government jobs.
He also stated that the government of India dreams of hosting not only the Commonwealth Games but also the Olympic Games in the future. Referring to neighbouring Manipur, he said that if Manipur can produce many Olympians, Meghalaya can do the same. Mentioning Matsiewdor War, who represented the country at the Asian Games, he encouraged students to believe in themselves, discover their abilities, and work hard to achieve their goals.
Rymbui also said that while many people claim there are no jobs, there are actually many opportunities available in the state. He pointed out that people from outside the state continue to come to Meghalaya because opportunities exist, but often local people fail to recognise them.
Director of School Education & Literacy Banteilang Kharshandi, MCS, said that maintaining a healthy balance between sports and academics is very important. He also informed that a MoU was signed in February between the Education Department and the Sports Department, and that the project was completed within just three months.
He expressed hope that similar initiatives would expand to other schools and districts to revive the spirit of sports across Meghalaya.
Following the inauguration, a friendly football match was held between officials of the Directorate of School Education & Literacy and students of Shillong Public School, promoting sportsmanship, community involvement, and participation.
