Meghalaya Receives IOA Flag as Host for 39th National Games

Synopsis

Meghalaya has officially taken on the role of host for the 39th National Games, set for 2027, by receiving the Indian Olympic Association flag during the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma highlighted the state's commitment to sports development.

Key Takeaways

Meghalaya to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
IOA flag handed over during the closing ceremony.
Significant investment of ₹1,200 crore in sports infrastructure.
Focus on creating a legacy for future athletes.
Event coincides with 55 years of Meghalaya’s statehood.

Dehradun, Feb 14 (NationPress) Meghalaya has officially assumed the role of host for the upcoming edition of the National Games, scheduled for 2027. This significant moment occurred during the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand on Friday, where the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) flag was handed over.

The IOA President, Dr. P.T Usha, received the flag during the ceremony and presented it to Home Minister Amit Shah, who then passed it to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Dr. Usha expressed her congratulations on Instagram, stating, "With the closing of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, the IOA flag was presented to CM Meghalaya @conrad_k_sangma as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th Edition in 2027. Wishing Meghalaya success for an outstanding 39th National Games!"

Alongside CM Sangma, the Meghalaya delegation at the flag transfer ceremony included Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, John F. Kharshiing, President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA), along with athletes and coaches representing the state.

During the event, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma remarked, "Hosting the 39th National Games will be a moment of pride for Meghalaya, showcasing our advancements in enhancing our sports ecosystem. From having just one major sports facility in 2018 to over 200 infrastructure projects now, our dedication to sports remains steadfast. We have invested ₹1,200 crore in world-class venues, nurtured over 24,500 young athletes, and aim to produce Olympians by 2032. As we gear up for the Games, we are committed to establishing a lasting legacy that will motivate future athletes and elevate Meghalaya’s profile in national sports."

The Indian Olympic Association previously announced that Meghalaya will host the 39th edition of the National Games in early 2027.

The IOA communicated this decision to the state government in an official letter on Tuesday, noting that the event will align with the celebration of fifty-five years of Meghalaya’s statehood.

The letter, signed by IOA President Usha, praised the state’s "dedication to sports promotion and its ability to host a prestigious multi-sport event of this magnitude," as informed by the Department of Sports of Meghalaya in a release.