Guwahati: The Meghalaya Games 2024 kicked off with a grand ceremony at the PA Sangma Stadium in Tura, Meghalaya, inaugurated on Monday by President Droupadi Murmu. The marquee multi-sport event in the northeastern hill state commenced with President Murmu emphasising the significance of sports in fostering unity and excellence among the state's youth.
Dignitaries present at the event included Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, MP Agatha K Sangma, and other state leaders.
In her inaugural address, President Murmu praised the event being held at the PA Sangma Football Stadium, India's largest pre-engineered composite football stadium. She paid homage to Late PA Sangma, the former Meghalaya Chief Minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha, emphasising the urgent need to support talent from tribal areas. President Murmu expressed delight at the encouragement of women in the northeast to pursue sports professionally, expressing confidence that the Meghalaya Games would foster excellence and create a vibrant sporting ecosystem.
"I am happy to note that the society of northeast encourages women to play and join sports as a profession. I am also confident that the Meghalaya Games will encourage athletes for excellence, promote competitiveness and create a vibrant sporting ecosystem," the President said, as per an official press release.
The President then lauded the performers at the opening ceremony expressing her sincere and heartfelt wishes to the performers of the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribes, who braved the cold with some of them even standing bare bodied in their traditional attire for three to four hours waiting, which shows a great sportsman spirit, the release stated.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma thanked the President of India for her esteemed presence at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sangma said, “It is my honour to welcome in our midst the President of India Droupadi Murmu on her maiden visit to Meghalaya. The Meghalaya Games is not just an event but an investment in the most important asset of the state for the youth of Meghalaya. The returns on this investment will be there for the generations to come. Creating opportunities for them to excel in sports and other fields of human achievement is the single most priority of our government. We are in the process of building new sports infrastructures at every level. We have ensured that the youth channelise their potential in the right direction. The presence of the President of India will remain as a historic moment in the history of this beautiful state of Meghalaya. I once again thank all the members across different committees who are working tirelessly to make the Meghalaya Games successful.”
Reinstated in 2021-22 after a 16-year hiatus, the Meghalaya Games focuses on promoting competitive excellence and reviving traditional sports. Participants from all districts will engage in traditional games such as 'Mawpoin,' 'Rah Mukhrah,' and 'Wa'pong Sika.'
The 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games, taking place until January 20, 2024, in Tura, boasts over 3,000 participants across 22 sporting disciplines, including demonstration sports like sport climbing and softball. The inauguration at the PA Sangma Stadium reflects the state's rapid development, setting the stage for a week-long celebration of athleticism, culture, and camaraderie, leaving a lasting impact on Meghalaya's sporting legacy.