Shillong, Jul 14: The Meghalaya government has estimated Rs 600 crore to host the 39th National Games, scheduled to be held in the state next year.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla told reporters on Tuesday that the National Games Committee has finalised a preliminary estimate, placing the overall expenditure for organising the multi-sport event at approximately Rs 600 crore.
He said the state has also submitted proposals to the Union Government seeking financial assistance for hosting the Games.
Preparations for the event are currently underway, with construction and upgradation of sports infrastructure progressing across different venues. While the ongoing monsoon has posed some challenges, Shylla expressed confidence that the projects would be completed well before the event.
“Work is progressing, and we are hopeful that all the required infrastructure will be ready by December or January, ahead of the Games,” the minister said.
Meghalaya is aiming to host the National Games in March next year, with a few sporting disciplines expected to be conducted in neighbouring Northeastern states as co-hosts.
On preparations for Meghalaya’s athletes, Shylla said the government has made provisions to support sports associations that wish to send athletes abroad for training and exposure.
He clarified that overseas exposure programmes are optional and that the decision rests with the respective sports associations.
The minister, however, noted that such programmes could prove beneficial by giving athletes valuable competitive experience and helping them prepare to face top-level participants at the National Games.
