Shillong, May 30: Meghalaya officially sealed its candidature to host the 2027 National Games by signing the host state agreement.
The occasion was attended by key figures including Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Minister of State for Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, State Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha.
Chief Minister Sangma described the agreement as a “landmark moment” for Meghalaya, and said that hosting such a prestigious event reflects the state’s long-term vision of becoming a leading sporting destination. He expressed confidence that the National Games would attract investment, create opportunities, and provide greater exposure for local athletes.
Mandaviya reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure in the northeast region. He underscored the increasing contributions of the Northeast to Indian sports across various disciplines.
He also announced that a state of the art, world class High-altitude training centre, worth Rs 150 crore will be established in Meghalaya very soon.
A new integrated multipurpose indoor hall was also inaugurated, which is set to serve as a key venue for the 2027 games and will offer year-round training facilities for athletes from both Meghalaya and other Northeastern states.
Built at a cost of Rs.132.9 crore, the project was funded by the New Development Bank (NDB) as part of the externally aided project Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project (MEIDP).
The hall is competition-ready to host Basketball and Kabaddi during the National Games. Beyond the Games, the facility will be strengthened with a high-performance sports science centre offering biomechanics, performance analytics, sports medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, and sports psychology — ensuring that the state’s athletes have access to scientific, world-class training support for years to come.
According to the state government the hall is part of a wider transformation of sporting infrastructure across Meghalaya, with several major projects — including the Umsawli Sports Complex, the PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, and the landmark Mawkhanu Football Stadium, set to be the largest dedicated football stadium in the Northeast — currently under construction.
