SHILLONG, Nov 3: Meghalaya welcomed the Chefs de Mission (CDM) of the seven visiting states that will be competing in the 2nd North East Olympic Games (NEOG) 2022, scheduled to be held in the city from November 10 to 16.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma also met with the Rangbah Shnongs (headmen) of various localities within Shillong to ensure all stakeholders partake in making the event a grand affair.
The CDM was welcomed by Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, and CEO of NEOG 2022 Dr Vijay Kumar D.
The purpose of the meeting was to welcome the participating teams, share the planning aspects of the games, and services along with amenities made available to all states in regards to accommodation, transport, reception, security, and catering.
A review meeting was also held on Thursday, chaired by Dr Kumar with the relevant committees in charge of various aspects of the Games. The committees gave an up-to-date account of their progress and any hurdles they are experiencing.
On the ground, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister and chairman of the Games, Banteidor Lyngdoh, undertook an extensive inspection of the venues, starting with the MFA Turf in Polo Grounds, where he also met with and encouraged the Meghalaya U-17 women’s football team players ahead of the start to their competition.
He then inspected the progress of the work at the weightlifting and wrestling events and all those at the SAI Training Centre and NEHU.
Earlier in the day, medical personnel, coaches and other sports officials received a day’s intensive orientation to prepare them for the Games at U Soso Tham Auditorium.
With over 2,000 athletes expected for the mega event from around the Northeast, medical provision will be a major undertaking in order to treat any injuries and keep the players fit.
The orientation programme covered a variety of subjects from expert resource persons.
The event was inaugurated by secretary of Health and Family Welfare RM Kurbah. Other dignitaries present included director of Health Services Dr HC Lyndem and general secretary of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Finely Pariat.
The chairperson of the programme was District Medical and Health officer of East Khasi Hills Dr Adreena Lyngdoh.
Senior Orthopaedic surgeon Dr NP Laloo covered classification of injuries, management of common injuries and transportation to nearest health facility.
Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at NEIGRIHMS Dr Bhaskar Borgohain dwelt on types of sports injuries and management of common fractures and dislocations encountered during sports events.
Dr Ankush Gupta of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) also gave a presentation on anti-doping and prohibited list of substances, while Dr Robert R Marak and Dr Apurba A Marak covered basic life support.
