Meghalaya National Games: DoNER backs 39th edition, says Conrad Sangma

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has thanked the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for backing the state's hosting of the 39th National Games.

In a post on X on Monday, October 26, Sangma said Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had chaired a meeting on the ministry's collaboration for the Games. He said he was grateful for the support and wanted the Games to be a celebration of Meghalaya and a showcase of sporting talent and culture from all the North Eastern states.

Army commander calls on CM

Sangma also met Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, GOC 101 Area, who called on him to discuss defence-related matters. According to the chief minister, they discussed Agniveer recruitment from Meghalaya, ex gratia for martyrs, a proposed Sainik School and youth programmes.

Iewduh redevelopment review

On the same day, Sangma reviewed the redevelopment of Iewduh, Shillong's historic market and one of the largest traditional markets in the North East, with the Urban Affairs Department.

He said the review covered street paving, water supply, utility ducts, toilets and solid waste management. Acknowledging the work was extensive and still in progress, he said he had asked the team to speed it up for the convenience of vendors, customers and tourists.

Space at the new MTC building

The chief minister also met officials of the Meghalaya Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (MIDFC) to discuss how space should be allocated in the newly built MTC Building at Khyndailad, Police Bazar. He said the decision would take into account the area's commercial potential, its importance for tourism and the need to use the space efficiently.

Why it matters

The National Games bring thousands of athletes and officials to the host state, and preparing venues, accommodation and transport is a large task. The DoNER ministry's involvement adds central backing to Meghalaya's preparations. Sangma has said he wants the event to feature the wider North East, not just the host state.

The dates for the 39th National Games were not mentioned in the chief minister's posts.