Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviews Meghalaya’s preparations for the 39th National Games 2027 and announces a Rs 150 crore training centre.
Shillong, May 30: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess Meghalaya’s preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, while announcing that a world-class high-altitude training centre worth Rs 150 crore will soon be established in the state.
The review meeting brought together Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha, Meghalaya Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, sports officials from the eight North Eastern states and senior officials of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
During the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya said the National Games should go beyond being a major sporting event and become a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage, diversity and identity of Meghalaya and the wider North Eastern region.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sports development, the Union Minister stressed the need for world-class infrastructure, efficient organisation and broad public participation to ensure that the Games leave a lasting impact on Indian sports.
“Sustainability and diversity are our message for the 39th National Games in Meghalaya in 2027,” Dr. Mandaviya said during the review.
He also called for greater emphasis on talent identification and scouting through the National Games. According to the Minister, the event should serve as an opportunity to identify promising athletes from across the country and support their development for future national and international competitions.
Dr. Mandaviya further highlighted the need for stronger anti-doping awareness among athletes. He said educational campaigns should be integrated into the National Games framework to ensure participants understand the consequences of doping and the importance of clean sport.
The Minister suggested that volunteers from MY Bharat be actively engaged during the Games to support organisational efforts and enhance public participation.
Officials made a detailed presentation on the status of preparations for the 2027 National Games. The review covered sports infrastructure projects, venue readiness, timelines for completion and areas that require focused attention in the coming months.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of sports infrastructure development across the Ashtalakshmi states of the North East. Discussions focused on strengthening facilities and ensuring that investments in sports infrastructure contribute to long-term athlete development across the region.
As part of his three-day visit to the North East, Dr. Mandaviya inaugurated a state-of-the-art Multipurpose Integrated Sports Indoor Hall in Shillong. The facility is expected to provide athletes with improved access to training and competition opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Union Minister said the indoor hall would play an important role in shaping the future of sports in Meghalaya and neighbouring states. He noted that the facility would strengthen the sporting ecosystem and support the development of young athletes.
A major announcement during the visit was the proposal to establish a high-altitude training centre in Meghalaya at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore. The facility is expected to provide advanced training opportunities for athletes and further enhance the state's position as an emerging sports hub in the North East.
Dr. Mandaviya also praised Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for his efforts to strengthen the sports sector in Meghalaya over the past eight years. He said the state government had adopted a comprehensive approach to sports development, including investments in sports science, modern training methods, talent identification and grassroots programmes.
According to the Minister, Meghalaya’s initiatives could serve as a model for other states seeking to build a stronger sporting ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of the North East in India’s sporting landscape, Dr. Mandaviya said the region has consistently produced athletes who have excelled at national and international levels. He added that Meghalaya hosting the National Games would not only boost sports development but also provide an opportunity to showcase the culture, hospitality and potential of the North East.
“I have reviewed the ongoing progress of the infrastructure and preparatory work being undertaken for the 39th National Games in Meghalaya, and I can say with confidence that the National Games 2027 will set a new benchmark in the history of the event,” he said.
The Union Minister also pointed to the Centre’s increased focus on sports development in the North East. He said allocation of sporting resources is no longer determined by the size or population of a state.
According to Dr. Mandaviya, while the North East accounts for only around four per cent of India’s population, nearly 25 per cent of all Khelo India Centres are located in the region. He noted that several districts in the North East have been provided with two Khelo India Centres, compared to one centre in many districts elsewhere in the country.
The Minister said the initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to unlocking the region’s sporting potential by improving access to coaching, training facilities and grassroots development programmes.
With less than two years remaining before the National Games, preparations in Meghalaya are expected to gather pace as the state works alongside the Centre and sports authorities to deliver what officials hope will be a landmark edition of the country’s premier multi-sport event.
