By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 30: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday expressed satisfaction over Meghalaya’s preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, stating that the event will usher in a new concept as it will be co-hosted by all eight Northeastern states, with Meghalaya as the principal host.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting with representatives of all the Northeastern states here, Mandaviya said the National Games would provide a major platform for the region to showcase its culture, hospitality and tourism to the rest of the country.
“The 39th National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya will be held across all eight Northeastern states.
The majority of the disciplines will be hosted by Meghalaya, while each of the other states will host at least one discipline,” he said.
Describing the arrangement as a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Union Minister said the multi-state hosting model could pave the way for a new concept in organising future editions of the National Games.
He said all participating states have already begun their preparations and noted that Meghalaya’s ongoing sports infrastructure projects are progressing steadily.
“Several infrastructure projects are underway and are expected to be completed by December. Preparations are on track for the Games scheduled to be held in March next year,” he added.
Mandaviya said the Games present a significant opportunity for the Northeast to project its unique identity and strengthen its sporting ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the review meeting had yielded important clarity on logistical and financial aspects of the event.
“The outcome of the meeting was very positive and the Union Minister was happy with the presentation made by Meghalaya. We also had the opportunity to engage with all the Northeastern states and discuss key issues,” Shylla said.
He clarified that each state hosting an event would bear its own expenditure, while participating rights would be shared between Meghalaya and the respective host states.
On the proposed schedule, Shylla said Meghalaya has tentatively proposed to hold the National Games from March 10 to March 30, 2027, though the dates are yet to be finalised.
“We would like the Prime Minister to grace such a prestigious event, so the dates will be finalised after confirmation from his office,” he said.
Addressing concerns over infrastructure readiness, the minister said all projects are progressing as planned and are expected to be completed by December.
He also ruled out the immediate need for a dedicated Games Village, stating that the state already has adequate accommodation and competition venues through existing and newly-developed infrastructure.
At the opening ceremony, Shylla said the government is keen to host it at the under-construction Mawkhanu Football Stadium to showcase what is set to become the state’s biggest football stadium.
“However, that will depend on the pace of construction.
If required, the ceremony can be shifted to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,” he said.
Apart from Shillong, events are also proposed to be held in Tura and Jowai.
Shylla said Meghalaya is currently planning to host 39 disciplines, though final allocations are still being worked out in consultation with the participating states and the Union Ministry.
With less than a year remaining before the 39th National Games, Meghalaya appears firmly on course to deliver one of the most ambitious sporting events in the history of the Northeast.
Backed by significant infrastructure development, close coordination among the eight Northeastern states and support from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Games are expected to serve as more than just a showcase of athletic excellence.
They offer an opportunity to strengthen the region’s sporting ecosystem, inspire a new generation of athletes and highlight the Northeast’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and organisational capabilities on a national stage.
If the ongoing preparations continue at the present pace, the 2027 National Games could well emerge as a defining moment for sports development in the region.
