Shillong, Jan 30: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla today said Meghalaya will not set up a ‘Games Village’ for the upcoming National Games as the State has sufficient hotel and homestay facilities to accommodate athletes and officials.
Stating that preparations for the National Games are on track, Shylla said a series of review meetings have already been held. He said the recent meeting was convened at the request of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who sought a comprehensive assessment of the state’s readiness.
During the meeting, officials presented updates on key areas, including sports infrastructure, accommodation arrangements and logistical planning.
The Minister informed that inspection visits were recently conducted at several venues across the state. In Shillong, he reviewed progress at the JN Complex Stadium, where construction of an indoor hall is underway, and at New Shillong, where major facilities such as the swimming pool and aquatic stadium are being developed.
Shylla also visited Garo Hills and inspected PA Stadium, the adjoining indoor hall, along with other construction sites linked to hostels and accommodation facilities for participants.
He said that work related to sports infrastructure is progressing in a satisfactory manner. According to the minister, completion of the venues will take place in phases, with some facilities expected to be ready by March, others by June, and the remaining venues by October or November.
Shylla further said that the progress of preparations was recently reviewed by the Union Sports Minister in a meeting attended by the state’s Commissioner and Secretary, while officials from the Sports Department joined virtually. The Union Minister, Shylla added, expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
On the participation of other Northeastern states, Shylla said that while the Ministry had suggested broader regional involvement, the hosting rights for the National Games will continue to remain with Meghalaya. However, the state has agreed to allow other Northeastern states to host one sporting event each, with Manipur being allotted two events considering its strong sporting credentials. He added that Assam is yet to propose any event.
Addressing concerns raised by other states regarding participation, the minister said the Union Sports Minister has agreed that both host and co-hosting states will be permitted to participate in the events they host.
