Meghalaya is set to host the 39th edition of the National Games in early 2027. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) informed the state government about its decision to award the upcoming National Games to Meghalaya in an official letter on Tuesday.
The IOA letter signed by IOA President P.T. Usha was written to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, lauding the state’s “commitment to promoting sports, and its capability to host a prestigious multi-sport event of this scale”, the Department of Sports of Meghalaya informed in a press release on Tuesday.
The National Games’ schedule will coincide with fifty-five years of Meghalaya’s statehood.
Sangma will attend the closing ceremony of the ongoing 38th National Games in Halwandi, Uttarakhand, along with Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri on February 14.
A delegation from Meghalaya led by Chief Minister Sangma will be travelling to Uttarakhand, the host of the ongoing 38th National Games, to receive the Games flag during the closing ceremony on February 14.
The National Games are a symbol of the Nation’s drive to pursue excellence in sports. It creates role models and stories of perseverance that inspire. It is an honour for Meghalaya to host the event and have our youth take in the excitement of the Games!”, the Chief Minister said.
The Ministerof Sports and Youth Affairs also expressed joy in the development, saying, “Meghalaya has seen significant developments in its sports ecosystem in recent times, and is ready to be considered amongst the sporting powerhouses of the nation. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans alike to Meghalaya to experience all the State has to offer!”
The 39th edition of the National Games was originally scheduled to take place in 2022 but were delayed due to the pandemic.
Meghalaya has already begun preparations for the event in collaboration with the MSOA, where nearly 40 sports have been identified for consideration.
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The Northeastern state shall host events in all three major cities of Meghalaya – Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. Nearly 12,000 athletes is estimated to participate in the Games.
The marquee infrastructure of the J.N. Sports Complex, the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex, and the Wahiajer Stadium shall be used during the Games, along with other venues such as the Mawdiangdiang Sports Complex and the Integrated Hospitality and Sports Complex which shall also be ready, the release informed.
The announcement comes amid Meghalaya’s most successful National Games campaign, where they have won five medals in Uttarakhand.
