Shillong, Feb 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah handed over the Indian Olympic Association flag to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand today, symbolising the shift in the mantle of responsibility to Meghalaya as the host of the 39th edition in two years’ time.
The 39th National Games will thus coincide with Meghalaya’s 55th year of statehood. They had been meant to be held in 2022 for the golden jubilee but the original target flew by due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and other states who were meant to hold the Games ahead of Meghalaya.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said, “Hosting the 39th National Games will be a proud moment for Meghalaya and a reflection of how far we have come in strengthening our sporting ecosystem… We have invested Rs 1,200 crore in world-class venues, nurtured over 24,500 young athletes and set our sights on producing Olympians by 2032. As we prepare for the Games, our focus remains on creating a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of athletes and elevate Meghalaya’s presence on the national sports stage.”
Meghalaya secured five medals at this edition, ending their run of ducks, all in watersports.
Other dignitaries present at the closing ceremony were IOA President PT Usha, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing.
(Photo: Conrad K Sangma/Facebook)
