Shillong, Feb 11: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), in an official letter on Tuesday, ,announced that Meghalaya will be the next host for the National Games in early 2027.
Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs said in a statement that the announcement is a historic moment for the state, scheduled to coincide with fifty-five years of Meghalaya’s statehood.
The letter from P.T. Usha, President of the IOA was written to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, lauding Meghalaya’s “commitment to promoting sports, and its capability to host a prestigious multi-sport event of this scale”.
A delegation from the State will be travelling to Uttarakhand, the host of the ongoing 38th National Games, to receive the National Games flag during the closing ceremony on February 14.
The delegation will include the chief minister, the Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, representatives of the Department, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, as well as athletes and coaches from all three
regions of the state.
Commenting on the announcement, the chief minister said, “The National Games are a symbol of the Nation’s drive to pursue excellence in sports. It creates role models and stories of perseverance that inspire all. It is an honour for Meghalaya to host the event and have our youth take in the excitement of the Games!” Shakliar lso shared his joy regarding the announcement, saying, “Meghalaya has seen significant developments in its sports ecosystem in recent times, and is ready to be considered among the sporting powerhouses of the nation. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans alike to Meghalaya to experience all the state has to offer!”
The 39th edition of the National Games was originally to be held in 2022 but were delayed due to the pandemic and schedule changes for other host states. Since then, the state has continued to utilise this time
to build Meghalaya’s sports ecosystem, investing in sports infrastructure across the State, as well as supporting the growth of talent in the state. The announcement also comes in he wake of Meghalaya’s successful
National Games campaign, where five medals were won by Meghalaya athletes in Uttarakhand.
Meghalaya has already begun preparations for the event in collaboration with the MSOA, where nearly 40 sports have been identified for consideration. Further, the state shall host events in all three major areas of
Meghalaya – Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. It is estimated that nearly twelve thousand athletes will participate in the Games. The marquee infrastructure of the J.N. Sports Complex, the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex,
and the Wahiajer Stadium will be used during the Games, along with other venues such as the Mawdiangdiang Sports Complex and the Integrated Hospitality and Sports Complex which shall also beready.
