Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri confirmed today that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and central government have given the go-ahead to Meghalaya to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
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 two years’ time.
Last month, the current CM, Conrad K Sangma, briefed the IOA on Meghalaya’s readiness and preparedness to host the Games in 2027.
The CM had said 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, Wahiajer 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.
“I believe this (the IOA and central government confirmation) is great news for the youth and sports lovers of our state and we hope that our youth take this opportunity and this platform to work hard to bring medals in this National Games,” Warjri said in a video shared with the press.
Warjri had met with the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi back in December on the subject.
Meanwhile, the minister also congratulated the five Meghalaya athletes who have won medals in the ongoing 38th National Games in Uttarakhand.
