SHILLONG — Bringing
together, 3500 athletes from 29 different sports, across all the 12 districts
of Meghalaya, the 6th Edition of Meghalaya Games was inaugurated at the
Wahiajer Stadium in Jowai by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
The biggest annual multi-sport event of the state showcases
Meghalaya’s sporting prowess and its readiness to host national-level
competitions, with the 2027 National Games on the horizon.
The Meghalaya Games 2025 will also host three traditional
sports of the state, Mawpoin, Rah Moo Khrah and An’Ding Oka, reflecting the
state’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous sports.
Addressing a packed stadium, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma
stated that these games are not just sports but the Government’s investment in
its youth.
He said, “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 implement; of the work that this government does. This
particular game and the four games that happened during the tenure of this
government are a testament to 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.”
Sangma added that every region and every district must be
developed and given the opportunity to host games like these.
“Today, with the hosting of this game, 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 massive stadium like this,” he said.
Notably, for the first time, the Meghalaya games will
feature seven para-athletes, four women, and three men, set to take part in the
para-shooting event (pistol and rifles). The state anthem filled the air,
followed by a dynamic parade of athletes, symbolising unity, and the
indomitable spirit of Meghalaya’s youth.
A special highlight of the evening was the singing of the
Games’ theme song, “Niom Beit Naphang”. The official mascot, “U Kiang,”
inspired by the clouded leopard and a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter
U Kiang Nangbah, was a poignant reminder of Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage
and resilient spirit.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs,
Shakliar Warjri, highlighted the transformative impact of sports in Meghalaya,
thanking each and everyone who has worked hard to make the Meghalaya Games, the
light of the day.
He stated that beyond wins and losses, games like this
become a platform for people to visit various parts of the state, for the first
time; just like the 6th edition of the games has made many people travel to
Jaintia Hills for the first time.
