Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held a video conference meeting with the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), P T Usha, on Wednesday, with officials from the Meghalaya Olympic Association (MOA) also in attendance.
The discussion focused on the state’s preparations to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
During the meeting, Sangma briefed P T Usha on the significant progress the state has made in terms of sports infrastructure.
He highlighted the investments made over the past four years in upgrading key sporting facilities such as the J N Sports Complex in Shillong, Wahijher Stadium in Jaintia Hills, and the P A Sangma Integrated Sports Complex in Tura, among others.
The chief minister also shared details of Shillong’s successful track record in hosting major sporting events, including the North East Games in 2022, the South Asian Games in 2016, and the annual Meghalaya Games, which have been hosted regularly for the past three years.
Dr. D. Vijay Kumar, Commissioner of Sports & Youth Affairs, informed that an agreement was signed between the state government and the IOA in 2018, designating Shillong as the host city for the National Games, with Tura and Jowai also selected to host various sports disciplines during the event.
P T Usha, President of the IOA, expressed that the association is seriously considering Meghalaya’s readiness to host the prestigious event.
The IOA is expected to finalise the decision in the coming months.
This year’s National Games will be held in Uttarakhand, and in 2026, the event will be skipped due to India hosting the Asian Games.
However, Meghalaya’s successful bid to host the 39th National Games in 2027 marks a major milestone for the state’s growing sports infrastructure and its commitment to fostering a sporting culture.
