Shillong, April 25: A meeting to explore strong closer India – France – Meghalaya – joint cooperation in a number of sectors particularly sports training, coaching, talent Identification, sports tourism, and taking forward the already existing ties in other sectors was held with Mr Samuel Bouchard, Chargé de mission and Cooperation officer.
The Consulate General of France, Kolkata and Dr Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner, Sports, Government of Meghalaya, in the Main Secretariat, Shillong, on 23rd April 2024. The meeting was also attended by Mr John F Kharshiing, Working President, Meghalaya State Olympic Association, Mr Lanu Ignatius, Adviser, Sports.
The discussions with Mr Samuel Bouchard, Chargé de mission and Cooperation officer, Consulate General of France, Kolkata was very positive as the French official expressed interest in a number of possibilities in joint collaboration in talent Identification.
The training coaching in a few sports disciplines such as Athletics, Archery, Aquatics, Basketball Badminton a few Contact Sports like Boxing, Judo, Football, Gymnastics, Shooting, Weightlifting, and a few other sports in preparation for the upcoming National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya sometime in 2026.
The meeting also discussed the possibilities of a joint delegation from the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and Department of Sports to visit France for more in-depth discussions on the collaboration scope for the few sports at the Regional level in France.
The French official was also briefed on the ongoing talent Identification, Elite and super elite programs being implemented by MSOA /DSYA and Ian Campbell OLY in which the French authorities expressed interest in supporting the program to enable the state to have the widest impact especially to the rural schools.
The meeting agreed to prepare a draft framework of objectives for joint collaboration on sports and to submit the same to the Government of Meghalaya for further discussions with the French authorities, according the press statement issued from the office of the MSOA.
