Shillong, 26th Feb 2025: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, in a program held at State Convention Centre felicitated the medal winners who brought laurels to the state in the recently concluded 38th National Games at Uttrakhand.
Speaking during the occasion, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, congratulating all the athletes who have participated at the 38th National Games said, “While I specially congratulate Vikash, Elizabeth, Indra, Kiran, Anandi and Pynshngain who have won medals I also congratulate all athletes who had worked hard to be a part of the state contingent and have represented our state in various sports disciplines.”
Speaking on preparing for the 39th National Games that will be hosted by the state in 2027 he said, “In less than 24 months from now on Meghalaya will be hosting the National Games and there are multiple aspects associated to this mega event and it is not only about Sports requiring huge logistics and infrastructure support and effort to be put in by each one of us to be able to successfully host the 39th National Games but it is also to improve on our medal tally and multiple strategies have to be adopted by us towards successful hosting and improving our performance and medal tally.”
The Chief Minister also informed that while infrastructure investments is being made at the centers where the games will be held overall support and investment will be made at the grassroots level so that the athletes can prepare themselves for the upcoming National Games and added that by 2026 more commercial flights will be able to land at the Shillong Umroi Airport paving better connectivity for the national games. He also said that while a lot of work is under way for successful hosting of the games a separate strategy is in the offing to improve the medal tally by the State. “One of the important things that we realized is the need to have coaches in various disciplines to give professional guidance and training for our athletes and we will support the different sports associations to provide special training programs for our top 200-300 athletes who will be representing our state in the 39th National Games.
He also informed that the government is looking at supporting athletes who are in the police force and other state government departments to allow them to have the space to not have to work and focus on training for about six to one years’ time. “I am very happy to see that the foundations that we have laid in terms of sports and an ecosystem for sports in the state is finally starting to show results and the multiple programs in sports, music or entrepreneurship is not just a program of the government but it is an investment in the youth,” he added.
Speaking on the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy that was earlier approved during the day by the cabinet the Chief Minister said, “The state government will provide jobs to medal winners at the National, South Asian, Olympic Games etc and this policy will be implemented in letter and spirit and this will also be a motivation for athletes and sportspersons in our state to excel.”
“While we are here today to celebrate the success at the 38th National Games we need to plan and prepare for the 39th National Games and I thank the Honorable Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the President of Indian Olympic Association and the dedication of our team that has made it possible for us to host the National Games in 2027,” he added.
The Chief Minister besides felicitating the national games medal winners also distributed cash awards to winners in various competitions and tournaments in different sports disciplines. Shillong Lajong FC was also given support of 1 Cr by the government and a total of 350 athletes were given cash awards and the Meghalaya Sports Action Plan 2025-32 and the Chief Minister’s Football Mission were also released during the occasion.