Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 130/22

4TH EDITION OF THE MEGHALAYA GAMES 2022 INAUGURATED ON 03.05.2022

2677 athletes, 19 disciplines, over 290 coaches and managers. The 4th edition of the Meghalaya Games 2022 is even better and the biggest yet as the MDA government is leaving no stone unturned in organizing the spectacular sporting event of the year. With over 2600 athletes participating in the games and competing across 19 disciplines, such as – archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, billiards & snooker, boxing, cycling, football, golf, gymnastic, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, weightlifting and wushu, the state government has taken all necessary steps to ensure seamless and un-interrupted functioning of the games. The Meghalaya Games are the showcase sporting event that not only highlights the evolving sportsmanship of the state but also displays the indomitable human spirit of the participants. It is worth mentioning that owing to the insurgence of COVID-19 in the state, the last two-editions of the games were held in 2001 & 2004. With the efforts of Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his undying commitment towards the youth and sports in the state, the 3rdedition of Meghalaya Games was initiated after a long gap of 16 years in 2020. The event started on 2nd May and will conclude on 7th May. The inauguration ceremony was held on 3rd May.

“The Meghalaya Games is an initiative to boost morale and create a competitive spirit among the sportsmen and bring together the State Sports Association and athletes in the state. This event will not only allow the state to showcase its uniqueness but also highlight the true sportsmanship of the participants. I am thankful to the sportspersons for placing their trust in us and together we will transform the event into a successful one. Witnessing so much enthusiasm from the players across districts have given us hope and joy to turn this event into an annual event from here on”, said Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

Following the news on unhygienic staying conditions of sportspersons participating in the Meghalaya Games, the CM expressed sadness and commented, “The safety and well-being of our players is our utmost priority. We are taking necessary steps to provide comfort and security to the athletes who have come to Meghalaya to participate in the games”.

Upon receiving the disheartening news, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma immediately intervened by visiting the site last night to inspect the situation post travelling back from New Delhi. The CM, without wasting time, summoned the officials of the Department and the Association and expressed his sadness over the unfortunate incident. The officials were strictly directed to immediately arrange for better accommodation for the participants. The CM also interacted with the players to understand and take stock of the situation.

The Meghalaya Games will be held across thirteen different venues in Shillong with the inauguration ceremony being conducted today at Shillong Sports Association, First Ground, Poloand will conclude with the closing ceremony to be held on 6th May. Present on the inauguration ceremony were Hon’ble Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Banteidor Lyngdoh and MLA and former footballer, Eugeneson Lyngdoh. The 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games will be held in 2023 at Tura, followed by the next one at Jowai.