Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri affirmed that Meghalaya has been approved by the national government and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to host the 39th National Games in 2027. In 2018, Meghalaya, then led by Dr. Mukul Sangma as chief minister, struck a deal with the IOA to host the National Games, initially aiming for 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and other states’ inability to organize the Games on time caused Meghalaya’s date to be pushed again, and the administration is now hoping to hold them in two years.
Conrad K. Sangma, the incumbent chief minister, gave the IOA an update last month on Meghalaya’s readiness to host the 2027 Games. According to the chief minister, the Meghalaya government has made investments in the development of sports facilities over the past four years. These investments include the renovation of the PA Sangma Integrated Sports Complex in Tura, the JN Sports Complex in Shillong, and Wahiajer Stadium in West Jaintia Hills, among other locations. Warjri stated, “I think this (the IOA and central government confirmation) is fantastic news for our state’s youth and sports enthusiasts, and we hope that our youth take this opportunity and this platform to work hard to bring medals in this National Games.”
