Shillong, Jan 21: The actual events have been going on for some days now but the 6th Meghalaya Games had its formal opening ceremony today at the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex to coincide with Meghalaya Day.
Bringing together 3,500 athletes from 29 different sports across all 12 districts of the state, the sixth edition of the Games was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Most of the disciplines will be accommodated in Jowai and Wahiajer, with only golf taking place in Laitkor and swimming in Shillong.
Striking an inclusive note, for the first time, the Meghalaya Games will feature seven para-athletes – four women and three men – who are set to take part in the para-shooting event (pistol and rifle).
Three traditional sports – mawpoin, rah moo khrah and an’ding oka – have been included as demonstration events, along with roll ball, yogasana and lawn bowls.
Addressing a packed stadium, Sangma said that the Games demonstrate his government’s investment in the youth. “As a government, we have always mentioned to all of you that the youth are a very important part of our policy making, of the schemes that we implemen, of the work that this government does,” he said. “And this particular Games and the four editions of the Games that happened during the tenure of this government, is a testament of this commitment to our youth. We ensure that these games are held on a rotation basis because we know that every region has its strengths. Every region, every district must be developed and given the opportunity to host Games like these. Today, with the hosting of these Games, a lot of infrastructure development has taken place in the Jowai area and West Jaintia Hills as a whole, whether it is about road construction or its improvement of buildings or construction of a massive stadium like this.”
As part of the ceremony, the state anthem filled the air, followed by the traditional parade of athletes. A special highlight of the evening was the singing of the Games’ theme song, “Niom Beit Naphang” with the official mascot, “U Kiang,” inspired by the clouded leopard and a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah, present throughout.
In his speech, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri highlighted the transformative impact of sports in Meghalaya, thanking each and everyone who has worked hard to make the Meghalaya Games see the light of the day. He stated that beyond wins and losses, the Games become a platform for people to visit various parts of the state for the first time.
The Games are set to award over 1,600 medals across the various events.
