Meghalaya Games a visionary investment, not just spending: CM Conrad K Sangma aims for Olympic glory
“The Government is committed to continue investing in sports, with a focus on better infrastructure, athletes’ training, and empowerment of all stakeholders. The youth should be able to pursue their passion, speak their minds and become leaders for the future generations of Meghalaya,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said while addressing the closing ceremony of the 5th Meghalaya Games at Tura on Saturday.
Sangma also announced that the 6th Meghalaya Games will be held in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills and said, “As we close this chapter and look forward to the 2025 Meghalaya Games in Jowai, we look forward to nurturing and expanding our sports culture across districts, encouraging dreams, and fostering a healthier, more vibrant Meghalaya.”
“The organization of the games offered us valuable insights into logistics required to host world-class sports events and will certainly help in our preparation for the National Games, a part of which will be hosted in Tura.”
Commending the success of the 5th Meghalaya Games, the chief minister said, “As we bid farewell to the spectacular event, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who made it a grand success. Hosting the Games in Tura has been a joyous experience, and I am truly grateful to the gracious people of Tura for being exceptional hosts. I thank institutions like Don Bosco, Monfort, Durama College, BSF, 2nd Battalion of Meghalaya Police, and many more who offered their facilities for competition and accommodation. This year, the games saw the convergence of 23 disciplines, 400+ medal events playing a crucial role in uncovering new talent and future sports stars from Meghalaya, contributing to the building of a stronger sporting ecosystem in the districts and the entire state.”
Stating that games are not monetary expenditure for the government, Sangma said, “It’s an investment in our future in sports. Our aim is to represent India at the Olympics.”
The Chief Minister further stated, “It was an honour to have Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, grace the opening ceremony. All through the past week we witnessed exciting stories and memorable moments. The new and refurbished infrastructure as part of the larger sports development plan, including Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletics Stadium, Indoor Hall Hawakhana, Don Bosco College Basketball Court, and Rongkhon Swimming Pool.”
Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri commended the athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship.
“Witnessing the passion and commitment of our athletes in the 5th Meghalaya Games has been truly inspiring. Their achievements reflect their individual prowess as well as the collective strength of Meghalaya’s sporting spirit. With confidence, we believe that those who witnessed these athletes may one day see them represent India on the global stage,” he said.
He said the Government remains committed to investing in the youth of Meghalaya, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience. The coming years will witness the development of more sports infrastructure, including indoor halls in Sunny Hills, Ampati Stadium, P.A. Sangma Indoor Halls, Jengjal, Bajengdoba, and Williamnagar.
The commitment to constructing sports infrastructure across the state includes artificial football turfs, natural football grounds, synthetic athletic tracks, and multipurpose indoor halls, he said while adding that further initiatives include the extension of the STAR Program to encompass more athletes, continued enhancement of incentives, and ongoing development of coaches.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Hon’ble Chief Minister for his visionary leadership, Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, the citizens of Tura for their gracious hospitality, district administration, MSOA and Sports Associations for their invaluable contributions. Hosting the Games in Tura for the first time provided a wonderful and unforgettable experience,” he said while adding “The high benchmark set by this edition will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for future editions. Significant strides have been made in developing the sports infrastructure of the city. The ongoing efforts to develop Tura will ensure a conducive ecosystem and readiness for the National Games. My best wishes to Jowai, the host of the next Meghalaya Games. We are steadfast in our efforts to establish our state as a hub for Indian and Global Sport in the near future, building on the success and legacy of the Meghalaya Games.”
Addressing the concluding ceremony, Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang observed that sports is a great humbler, the experience in this Meghalaya Games, will hone every athlete’s killer instinct, the spirit of resilience and their competitive edge. With best-in-class sports infrastructure across the state, he envisioned that Meghalaya as a state is ready to host the National Games.
The event saw the parade of the athletes, followed by a special performance celebrating the Meghalaya Day, celebrating the 52nd Statehood Anniversary, followed by performance by artistic yoga and Wushu athletes.
The event also witnessed performances by Haystack Ladies, Riprap, DJ and colourful fireworks marking the games closed.
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