Shillong, Feb 9: The Meghalaya State Olympic Association has requested the state government to provide sanction as soon as possible for the budget for the North East Olympics, the second edition of which Meghalaya will host later this year.
An MSOA delegation met Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh today to discuss this matter as well as to request the government to provide a permanent office for the MSOA at the JN Sports Complex.
The delegation comprised MSOA Working President John F Kharshiing, General Secretary Finely Pariat and Vice-President Sebastian Swett.
Lyngdoh, who is also ex-officio President of the MSOA, assured them that the government has already announced that it will fully support the hosting of the NE Games and the letter of consent and approval of the budget will be given shortly so that the MSOA can begin making necessary preparations with the North East Olympic Association.
These will be the second edition of the regional Games and will be held in September/October. The first iteration was held in Manipur in 2018.
The MSOA impressed upon the minister that it will require at least five months to prepare for the event.
Lyngdoh also agreed to look into the allotment of a permanent space for the MSOA. The association’s office at the U Tirot Sing Syiem Indoor Stadium will have to be given up shortly for the facility’s renovation. Moving the office to Polo would also bring the MSOA closer to the centre of sporting activities in the state capital. Other North East states, such as Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, have dedicated Olympic Bhavans, Kharshiing said.
(Photo contributed)
