Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today held a meeting with the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha, via video conference to brief her on the readiness and preparedness of the state to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
The CM told Usha that the Meghalaya government has, in the last four years, invested in creation of sports infrastructure, including the upgrade of JN Sports Complex in Shillong, Wahijher Stadium in West Jaintia Hills and PA Sangma Integrated Sports Complex in Tura, besides others.
He also informed that Shillong has successfully hosted many sporting events, including the North East Games in 2022, South Asian Games in 2016 and the Meghalaya Games in Shillong, Tura and now Jowai.
Meghalaya, then under the Chief Ministership of Dr Mukul Sangma, had signed an agreement with the IOA in 2018 to host the National Games, with the original target of 2022. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and the delay in other states to hold the Games according to their turn meant that the date for Meghalaya was pushed back, with the government now looking to hold them in 2027. This has to be approved by the IOA.
Shillong is likely to host most of the events, though Tura and Jowai will also get a significant number of disciplines.
