Mega event scheduled for February-March in 2027
Shillong, Feb 11: Meghalaya is set to host the 39th edition of the National Games in February-March 2027, marking a major milestone for the state as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of its statehood.
The confirmation came via a letter from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, officially approving Meghalaya’s proposal to host the prestigious event.
A delegation led by the Chief Minister, along with Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and officials from the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA), will attend the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand on February 14.
The team will formally receive the National Games flag, marking the symbolic handover to the next host state.Expressing his excitement, Chief Minister Sangma said, “The National Games are a symbol of the nation’s drive to pursue excellence in sports. It creates role models and stories of perseverance that inspire. It is an honour for Meghalaya to host the event and have our youth take in the excitement of the Games!”Sports Minister Warjri echoed these sentiments, stating, “Meghalaya has seen significant developments in its sports ecosystem in recent times and is ready to be considered amongst the sporting powerhouses of the nation. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans alike to experience all that Meghalaya has to offer!”
Meghalaya’s journey to hosting the National Games has been a long one. An agreement was initially signed with the IOA in 2018 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, with the original aim of hosting the event in 2022. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent delays in the hosting schedule of other states pushed Meghalaya’s turn back by several years.
The state, however, has used this extended timeline to its advantage, making significant investments in sports infrastructure and athlete development.
The upcoming National Games will feature nearly 40 sporting disciplines, with events spread across Shillong, Tura, and Jowai—Meghalaya’s three key urban centres.
Key venues include the JN Sports Complex in Shillong, PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, and the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex near Jowai.
Additional facilities, such as the Mawdiangdiang Sports Complex and the under-construction Integrated Hospitality and Sports Complex behind JN Stadium, are expected to be ready in time for the event.
The Games are anticipated to attract around 12,000 athletes from across the country, promising a vibrant and competitive sporting atmosphere.
This announcement follows Meghalaya’s most successful National Games campaign to date, with the state’s athletes securing five medals at the ongoing 38th edition in Uttarakhand, further underscoring the state’s growing prominence on the national sports stage.
Preparations are now in full swing, with the state government collaborating closely with the MSOA to ensure that Meghalaya delivers a world-class sporting event in 2027.