Meghalaya CM receives IOA flag from Amit Shah, marking 39th National Games handover

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 14, 2025

At the conclusion ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma received the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) flag from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and IOA Chairperson PT Usha, in the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami. This moment marked the official handover to Meghalaya as the host of the 39th National Games. This milestone paves the way for Meghalaya to host the prestigious event in early 2027, coinciding with the state’s 55th year of statehood.

The Meghalaya delegation, led by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, included Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, John F Kharshiing, President, of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA), and athletes and coaches from across the state. The delegation’s presence highlighted the collective effort and enthusiasm behind Meghalaya’s successful bid to host the Games.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Hosting the 39th National Games will be a proud moment for Meghalaya and a reflection of how far we have come in strengthening our sporting ecosystem. From a single marquee sports facility in 2018 to over 200 infrastructure projects today, our commitment to sports has been unwavering. We have invested Rs 1,200 crore in world-class venues, nurtured over 24,500 young athletes, and set our sights on producing Olympians by 2032. As we prepare for the Games, our focus remains on creating a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of athletes and elevate Meghalaya’s presence on the national sports stage.”

The state’s commitment to sports development was evident in its recent success at the 38th National Games, where Meghalaya athletes secured five medals—a testament to the growing prowess of its sporting community.

The 39th National Games in Meghalaya promise to be a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence, bringing together the best talent from across the country. As the countdown to 2027 begins, Meghalaya is poised to make history and set new benchmarks in the realm of Indian sports.