Shillong, Feb 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma today opened the Meghalaya Games 2019-2020 organized by Meghalaya State Olympic Association and Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya at J N Sports Complex, Polo Ground in the presence of Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs etc Banteidor Lyngdoh.
In his speech, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma while congratulating the organizers for holding the State Games after a gap of sixteen years said that Sports is much more than games as it is encompasses culture, values, discipline and helps the overall development of personality. “It is not only the talent of the person but hard work, discipline and commitment that makes a successful sportsperson and it is these values which will produce responsible and hardworking citizens,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that Sports needs to be nurtured and the government is focusing on adopting a scientific approach to identify and develop the talents of young people from a very early age.
He also said that it is very encouraging to see the participation of the athletes and the support to them by parents, teachers and sports associations in spite of the strategic timing in academic year when examinations are underway.
He also reiterated the commitment of the government to National Games 2022 and informed that preparations for it are at an advanced stage in all areas. He added that State Games help talents to be discovered and there is a need to hold the State Games on a regular and consistent basis.
Earlier, in his speech, Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Banteidor Lyngdoh the State Games is a platform for the young, impressionable minds to learn the values of discipline, responsibility, team spirit and hard work not only in Sports but in all walks of life.
He also added that the Meghalaya Games is an opportunity to identify and prepare athletes for the National Games 2022. The Minister also gave an overview of the preparedness of the State for the National Games 2022.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and the other dignitaries unveiled the Postage Stamp to commemorate the Meghalaya Games 2022 and also launched the Meghalaya State Olympic Association website.
The Meghalaya Games 2019-2020 will be held from 17th Feb-21st Feb 2020. A total of 1559 athletes with 236 managers will be competing in 14 disciplines viz. Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Billiards/Snooker, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis and Wushu.
