By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 29: With the National Games likely to be held in March next year, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday announced that the state has begun strengthening coordination and administrative mechanisms. The move follows the first governing body meeting of the National Games Secretariat Society after its cabinet approval.
The meeting focused on expanding the governing body to include representatives from the tourism, health, transport, and information departments. Shylla noted that the Games require the involvement of the entire state machinery rather than just the sports sector.
Referring to a recent review chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Shylla said venue construction is progressing, with most projects expected to be finished by December or January.
While Shillong has adequate accommodation, the government is addressing shortages in Tura and Jowai through a tourism department scheme that offers subsidies of up to 75 per cent for boutique hotels.
The Minister stressed that the government is avoiding excess infrastructure that could prove difficult to maintain after the event.
Regarding regional cooperation, Shylla informed that most North East states will co-host one discipline. Manipur will host two disciplines, including hockey, due to existing infrastructure. However, Assam will not host any events, which the Minister attributed to coordination challenges related to elections in that state.
Preparation efforts have received positive feedback from the Union Sports Secretary and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Addressing concerns over past accommodation issues during the Meghalaya Games, Shylla said those were isolated incidents and that subsequent events, such as the Northeast Olympic Games, proceeded without major complaints.
The government is currently using state funds for preparations. Beyond hosting, the state is focusing on athlete performance. Under the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy, National Games medal winners will be eligible for government jobs starting next year.
The Minister added that ₹39 crore has been released for team preparation, with funds decentralised to sports associations for equipment and resources.
Highlighting recent progress, Shylla noted that Meghalaya’s ranking in the Khelo India Tribal Games improved from 29th to 13th this year, expressing confidence that the state could break into the top five in the coming year.
