JOWAI, Jan 18: With just two days remaining until the start of 6th Meghalaya Games, preparations at the event venues are nearly complete, according to Deputy Commissioner BS Sohliya. On Saturday, the district administration held a press conference at the DC’s office conference room in Jowai to provide updates on the arrangements.
In a noteworthy development, football matches kicked off earlier on January 15. Speaking to the media, Sohliya emphasised the extensive efforts put into preparing for the Meghalaya Games. These included a curtain-raiser event held on January 13, which featured a video theme song and the unveiling of the games’ mascot, U Kiang. The mascot, a leopard dressed in the attire of the freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah, was designed through a competition organised by the Deputy Commissioner’s office in West Jaintia Hills. This initiative, led by Sohliya, aimed to engage the community and create excitement around the games.
Sohliya also highlighted the active participation of the headmen from each locality in Jowai, showcasing strong community involvement in the event’s success. He urged residents to cooperate with the arrangements, participate in the games, and enjoy the excitement of the matches.
Working president of Meghalaya State Olympic Association John F Kharshiing praised the district administration and other committees for their dedicated efforts in preparing for the Meghalaya Games. He also pointed out a significant milestone: for the first time, seven para-athletes, comprising four women and three men, will compete in the para shooting event (pistol and rifle). This inclusion was made possible through a request from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who advocated for the participation of para-athletes.
Kharshiing expressed hope for increased participation of para-athletes in future editions, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting inclusitivity in sports. Additionally, he shared that around 3,500 athletes will compete for a total of 1,600 medals, including over 400 gold, 400 silver, and 600 bronze. Superintendent of Police C Syrti assured that the police force is fully prepared for the event, with deployment plans in place to ensure security. He also confirmed that traffic arrangements have been finalised to facilitate smooth movement during the games.
Call to unity and respect
Meanwhile, in a call to unity and respect, the Synjuk Waheh Shnong Jowai has urged all residents, particularly the youth, to come together for this significant occasion. They emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of dignity and honour throughout the event, encouraging all participants, spectators, and officials to behave respectfully and upholding the values of the district.
The Synjuk also called for a collective effort to ensure that no destructive actions take place, particularly in relation to government property such as roads, banners, posters, and other materials related to the Games. The association reminded everyone that these items symbolise the pride of the community and should be treated with respect.
In their message, the Synjuk emphasised the importance of maintaining discipline among athletes and participants, and they urged the use of words and actions that foster positive spirit and mutual respect. The games should reflect the pride and strength of the Jaintia people and the district as a whole.
This year’s 6th Meghalaya Games is expected to be a milestone event, one that will leave a lasting legacy for the future generations of Jaintia. However, the event has been marred by some incidents where posters and flexes promoting the Games were vandalised in Jowai, which has sparked concern among organisers and community leaders. The Synjuk Waheh Shnong Jowai called for swift action to prevent further disruptions and to protect the integrity of the event as a celebration of the spirit of the Jaintia people.