Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma on Tuesday declared the 4th Meghalaya Games 2022 and dedicated the games to the 50th year of statehood celebrations.
“This is one of the events to mark 50 years of statehood and in 50 years this is only the fourth Meghalaya Games and the second in the last four years,” Sangma, also the chief patron of the Games, said.
More than 2,500 athletes are taking part in the games comprising 19 disciplines. In fact, a few events – basketball, billiards and snooker, gymnastic and football – started before the opening ceremony.
Encouraging the athletes to be disciplined, the Chief Minister said, “this moment will define who you will become and shape your character. Enjoy it, learn from it and embrace discipline.” Expressing happiness for the athletes for their participation, Sangma said he is hopeful that they would participate in the right sporting spirit.
“Your baby steps of today will lead to giant steps tomorrow,” he said. On the row over the accommodation of the athletes, Sangma said infrastructure is being renovated and created and these are all for the benefit of the athletes while encouraging sports associations to get affiliated with the Meghalaya State Olympic Association.
Meanwhile, Sangma announced that next year’s edition will take place in Tura, with the 2024 event to be held in Jowai. He added that holding the events in different locations would help expand sports infrastructure there and to give the young athletes a chance to experience the diversity of Meghalaya first-hand.
On the revival of the games by the present government, Sangma said, the Meghalaya Games were revived by the state government in 2020 due to the government’s intention and interest to develop sports in the state.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, said, “Meghalaya Games is here to provide opportunities for athletes, boost their morale and overall competitive spirit, along with bringing them and the Association together.”
