New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said National Games 2027 in Meghalaya would set a new benchmark and reviewed preparations for the event during a high-level meeting attended by officials from the Centre, the Indian Olympic Association and the North Eastern states.
The review meeting focused on venue readiness, sports infrastructure development and timelines for the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host in 2027. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, IOA President P.T. Usha, Meghalaya Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and senior officials participated in the discussions.
Mandaviya said the Games should become more than a sporting event. According to him, they should also showcase Meghalaya’s culture, diversity and identity to national and international audiences. He stressed the need for world-class infrastructure, efficient organisation and strong public participation.
The Union Minister said sustainability and diversity would remain key themes of the event. He also called for greater focus on talent identification and athlete scouting through the National Games platform. In addition, he urged authorities to conduct awareness programmes on anti-doping measures for participating athletes.
The minister suggested involving volunteers from MY Bharat during the Games. He said youth participation would contribute to the successful organisation of the event.
National Games 2027 to boost sports infrastructure
During his three-day visit to the North East, Mandaviya inaugurated a Multipurpose Integrated Sports Indoor Hall in Shillong. He said the facility would create new opportunities for young athletes and strengthen the region’s sporting ecosystem.
The Union Minister also announced a ₹150-crore high-altitude training centre in Meghalaya. He said the world-class facility would support athlete development and improve training infrastructure in the state.
Praising Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Mandaviya said Meghalaya had made significant progress in sports development over the past eight years. He credited the state government with promoting sports science, modern training methods and grassroots talent identification programmes.
Highlighting the Centre’s focus on the North East, the minister said the region accounts for only about four per cent of India’s population but hosts nearly 25 per cent of all Khelo India Centres. He added that several districts in the region have two centres, ensuring wider access to coaching and training facilities.
Mandaviya said he was satisfied with the progress of preparations and expressed confidence that Meghalaya would successfully host the Games. He added that the event would further strengthen sports development while showcasing the potential of the North East.
