Shillong
The Central Government has proposed that all eight northeastern states should co-host the 39th National Games, scheduled for 2027. This new model was discussed and welcomed during a regional meeting in Shillong on Saturday. The meeting included sports ministers, secretaries, and Olympic officials from the region.
Meghalaya was earlier set to host the Games alone. However, the idea to involve all eight northeastern states came from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Meghalaya accepted the proposal, hoping it would promote unity and regional teamwork, said John F Kharshiing, working president of the Meghalaya State Olympics Association.
The meeting was led by Meghalaya Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri and co-chaired by Arunachal Pradesh Sports Minister Kento Jini. Representatives from all eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—shared ideas on how to make the shared hosting plan work.
This will be the first time all northeastern states co-host the National Games. Previously, Manipur hosted the event in 1999 and Assam in 2007. Officials believe the event will boost youth interest in sports and help improve facilities across the region. Another meeting will be held soon to finalise the logistics and planning.
