With less than a year to go for the 39th National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya in 2027, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s preparations.This will be the third time that a northeastern state hosts the National Games, after Manipur (1999) and Assam (2007).Highlighting the growing interest among states in hosting such events, the minister said the National Games should focus on talent identification and scouting, as well as educating athletes about anti-doping.“The National Games should also be used as an opportunity to spread awareness about doping. Athletes must be made aware of the impact of doping,” he said in a release.During the meeting, Mandaviya emphasised that the event should not only be a premier sporting competition but also a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage, diversity and unique identity of Meghalaya and the entire northeastern region to the nation and the world.“Sustainability and diversity are our message for the National Games in Meghalaya in 2027,” he added.The minister also reviewed the progress of sports infrastructure development across the northeastern states and inaugurated a state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor sports hall in Shillong on Saturday.“The facility will open new avenues for young athletes and play a vital role in shaping the future of sports in Meghalaya and the wider northeastern region, while strengthening the sporting ecosystem and nurturing the next generation of talent,” said the sports minister.He also announced that a state-of-the-art, world-class high-altitude training centre worth Rs 150 crore will be set up in Meghalaya soon.Noting that the region has consistently produced exceptional sporting talent, Mandaviya said hosting the Games would further strengthen sports development, inspire young athletes and showcase the northeast’s culture, hospitality and potential to the rest of the country.The meeting was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, IOA president PT Usha and Meghalaya sports minister Wailadmiki Shylla, among others.
