Meghalaya,MAY 30
Meghalaya marked a defining moment in its sporting journey today with the celebration of two historic milestones: the inauguration of the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall at the J N Sports Complex, Shillong, and the signing of the Host State Agreement for the 39th National Games 2027.The Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall was inaugurated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, and Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, in the august presence of Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports; Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya; and Dr P T Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The occasion was further graced by senior officials of the Indian Olympic Association, members of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, and distinguished representatives from the State Olympic Associations of the other Northeastern states.The event commenced with a welcome address by Wailadmiki Shylla, who warmly welcomed all dignitaries and guests and described the day as a proud moment for the people of Meghalaya and the sporting fraternity of the Northeast.Built for Rs 132.9 crore, the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall is one of the finest indoor sports facilities in the country. Completed in a record time of about 2.5 years despite challenging terrain and climatic conditions, the project stands as a shining example of efficient planning and execution, and of the Department’s capability to deliver high-quality sports infrastructure within a limited timeframe.The project is funded by the New Development Bank (NDB) as part of the Externally Aided Project Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project (MEIDP).The Hall is competition-ready to host Basketball and Kabaddi during the 39th National Games 2027.Beyond the Games, the facility will be strengthened with a High-Performance Sports Science Centre offering biomechanics, performance analytics, sports medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, and sports psychology — ensuring that the State’s athletes have access to scientific, world-class training support for years to come.The Hall is part of a wider transformation of sporting infrastructure across Meghalaya, with several major projects — including the Umsawli Sports Complex, the P A Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, and the landmark Mawkhanu Football Stadium, set to be the largest dedicated football stadium in the Northeast — currently under construction.In the same ceremony, the Government of Meghalaya and the Indian Olympic Association signed the Host State Agreement for the 39th National Games, Meghalaya 2027 — a formal declaration of the State’s readiness to host the country’s premier multi-sport event. The revised agreement strengthens the partnership between the State and the IOA by clearly defining the legal, financial, and operational responsibilities of each party in greater detail.
