Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today inaugurated the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex at Shillong and witnessed the signing of the Host State Contract for the 39th National Games 2027 between the Government of Meghalaya and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The programme was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, Meghalaya Sports Minister Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, President of the Indian Olympic Association Smt. P. T. Usha, Chief Secretary Meghalaya Dr. Shakeel P. Ahammed, senior officials, sportspersons and representatives of various sports associations.

Built at a cost of ₹132.9 crore, the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex is a modern multi-functional facility capable of hosting basketball, badminton, volleyball and other indoor sporting disciplines. The complex is envisioned as a key venue for the 39th National Games and includes multipurpose halls, an auditorium and other integrated facilities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said the inauguration of the complex marked the opening of a gateway to Meghalaya's future through sports. Referring to the symbolic opening of the facility through its doors instead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony, he said it represented opening new opportunities for the youth of Meghalaya and the Northeast.

Describing sports as a fundamental right and a powerful instrument of development, the Union Minister said investments in sports infrastructure are investments in the future of society. He noted that the newly inaugurated complex would nurture athletes who would bring laurels to Meghalaya and India on national and international platforms.

Highlighting the Government of India's commitment to athlete development, Dr. Mandaviya said scientific methods and sports science-based assessment systems are being increasingly adopted to identify and nurture talent. He also pointed out that while the Northeast accounts for only about four per cent of India's population, it hosts nearly 25 per cent of the country's Khelo India Centres, underscoring the region's importance in India's sporting ecosystem.

Speaking on the forthcoming National Games, Dr. Mandaviya said Meghalaya has taken up a major responsibility by agreeing to host one of India's largest sporting events involving more than 8,000 athletes. He expressed confidence that the 39th National Games would establish new benchmarks in sporting excellence and event management.

The Union Minister also highlighted Meghalaya’s immense potential in tourism, hospitality, sustainable development and organic agriculture. Referring to the proposed High Altitude Training Centre in Meghalaya, he said the facility would provide world-class training opportunities for athletes from across the country and further strengthen India's sporting ecosystem. He reiterated the Government of India's willingness to support the project.

Dr. Mandaviya lauded Meghalaya’s ambitious sports infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of what is expected to be the largest football stadium in India and Asia at an estimated cost of ₹700 crore. Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of "Play in India", he said such facilities could attract international sporting events and generate economic opportunities for the region.

The Union Minister also highlighted the proposal for establishing a High Altitude Training Centre at NEHU, for which the Government of India is willing to invest approximately ₹150 crore. He said the facility would provide world-class training opportunities for athletes from Meghalaya, the Northeast and across the country.

Highlighting Meghalaya’s agricultural potential, he noted that the state produces a wide range of organic fruits and vegetables and is well-positioned to emerge as a major supplier of high-quality organic produce. He suggested that stronger cooperative linkages could help connect Meghalaya's products with national markets and create greater opportunities for farmers.

Dr. Mandaviya further underlined the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem through the Khelo Bharat Mission, under which renowned athletes will establish clubs and academies with government support. Reiterating India's aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036, he said the country aims to be among the top ten nations in the Olympic medal tally by then and among the world's top five sporting nations by 2047.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma described the day as a historic milestone for Meghalaya, the Northeast and the nation. He said the signing of the Host State Contract and inauguration of the indoor complex reflected the state’s sustained commitment to sports and youth development.

The Chief Minister highlighted that nearly 80 per cent of Meghalaya’s sports infrastructure has been created over the last eight years, with around 80 stadiums constructed across the state. He noted that the government has consistently invested in athlete development through infrastructure creation, scholarship programmes and the STAR initiative, which identifies and nurtures young sporting talent from an early age.

Shri Sangma said Meghalaya's vision is to produce athletes capable of competing at the highest national and international levels. Expressing confidence that athletes from Meghalaya and the Northeast would bring glory to India at future Olympic Games, he described the newly inaugurated complex as a symbol of aspiration, opportunity and hope for future generations.

Meghalaya Sports Minister Shri Wailadmiki Shylla highlighted the rapid expansion of sports infrastructure across the state. He informed that nearly 240 sports infrastructure projects have either been completed, are underway or are under construction, and the number is expected to exceed 510 projects by 2028.

Shri Shylla also noted that the Government of Meghalaya has sanctioned ₹72.51 crore for preparations related to the 39th National Games. He said more than 50,000 young talents have been identified and are being nurtured through structured programmes, reflecting the immense potential of Meghalaya's youth and the state's commitment to developing future champions.

President of the Indian Olympic Association, Smt. P. T. Usha, congratulated the Government of Meghalaya for its commitment and leadership in preparing for the National Games. She described the signing of the revised Host State Contract as a significant step towards delivering a National Games that will inspire athletes, strengthen national unity and leave behind a lasting sporting legacy.

Smt. Usha noted that the 39th National Games would be historic as, for the first time, events would be hosted across the Northeastern region. She said the Games would provide an opportunity to showcase the talent, culture and aspirations of the Northeast to the entire country.

Highlighting the importance of talent identification and athlete development, she said that the difference between a promising athlete and a champion often lies in opportunity, scientific training, quality coaching and sustained support. She also appreciated the proactive role played by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and expressed confidence that the Games would become a symbol of a confident, ambitious and united India, with the Northeast at the centre of the country's sporting future.

The inauguration of the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex and the signing of the Host State Contract for the 39th National Games 2027 mark significant milestones in Meghalaya's sporting journey and reaffirm the state's growing role in India's sports development landscape.

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