Shillong, Feb 21: After five wonderful days, the curtains came down on a successful Meghalaya Games 2019-20 with the conclusion of the remaining four disciplines here today.
The Games were officially closed by Chief Secretary MS Rao in the presence of Director of Sports & Youth Affairs Wanrilin Booth and senior members of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association following the end of the karate events at the Laban Indoor Stadium.
East Khasi Hills finished at the top of the medals table with 69 gold, 50 silver and 53 bronze. Swimming, tennis, billiards & snooker, karate and shooting results did not count towards the medals table as they were conducted as open tournaments. However, all podium finishers were awarded medals.
Besides karate, today also saw the conclusion of judo in Nongthymmai, billiards & snooker in Shillong Club and badminton in U Tirot Sing Syiem Indoor Stadium.
The closing function was preceded by a wonderful demonstration of karate, which was warmly appreciated by the gathered dignitaries and the enthusiastic crowd of spectators.
In his speech Rao congratulated the MSOA and DSYA for hosting the Games.
“This is an excellent initiative which was actively supported by the chief patron, our Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma,” Rao said. “There was plenty of enthusiasm witnessed in all disciplines and it is very important to scout talent within the state so that we can have athletes go further at the national level. We can all take joy from our athletes and I congratulate all participants and I’m sure that in due course they will do well in higher levels.”
He also made mention of the state government’s sports policy and the upcoming National Games in 2022, which Meghalaya is to host.
“The government has notified the sports policy, which will give a great boost in promoting sports. Better infrastructure will also come up in the state for the National Games and this will help athletes to do even better,” he said, adding that he hopes to see the Meghalaya Games continue in future years.
(Meghalaya State Olympic Association photo. Chief Secretary MS Rao and other dignitaries with medal winners in karate at Laban Indoor Stadium)
