SHILLONG: Setting the ball rolling for the National Games 2022, the Host City Contract for the mega event was signed between State Government, Meghalaya State Olympic Association and Indian Olympic Association here on Wednesday.
Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma could not attend the programme as his chopper could not take off from Tura and Urban Affairs Minister, RV Lyngdoh graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, working president of Meghalaya State Olympic Association, John F Kharshiing said, “In a time when the country is divided politically, economically and socially, we believe there will be tremendous all round transformation for the youths of Meghalaya and the country as a whole by hosting the National Games 2022. “
According to Kharshiing, the legacy of the National Games would transform Meghalaya and the poorest segment of the population will benefit the most from this transformation besides the State will get transformed in different ways.
He also mentioned that the the National Games, would have more digital content than ever before and they are contemplating to see double the amount of content on digital platforms than on television
Director, Sports & Youth Affair, M War giving a short presentation said that there would be 35 disciplines in the event including basketball, golf, tennis, table tennis, archery etc., while informing that a land bank committee has been constituted to identify land for creating sports infrastructure.
In addition, the State Government would have to submit their master plan to Indian Olympic Association by January 2019.
Indian Olympic Association’s Secretary General, Rajiv Mehta while speaking on the occasion assured of all the help and assistance to Meghalaya in successfully hosting the game.
Terming the signing of the agreement as golden day for Meghalaya, Mehta said that the time has come for Meghalaya to showcase its talent.
Urban Affairs Minister, RV Lyngdoh who was present on the occasion as the chief guest said that the sports have become a global activity and it will be befitting for the State to host the event when it celebrates its 50 years of statehood in 2022.
Later, John Kharshiing told media persons that a lot of village authorities have come forward to give their land away for developing infrastructure for the event.
Though the actual estimates are yet to be worked out for the event, it is expected that around Rs 2000 crores would be required for successfully hosting the event.