Shillong, May 30: Meghalaya marked a major milestone in its sporting history on Friday with the inauguration of the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall at the J.N. Sports Complex, Shillong, and the signing of the Host State Agreement for the 39th National Games 2027.
The indoor sports facility was inaugurated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in the presence of Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha.
Built at a cost of ₹132.9 crore, the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Hall is among the most advanced indoor sports facilities in the country. The project was completed in about two-and-a-half years and has been designed to host Basketball and Kabaddi competitions during the 39th National Games.
Officials said the facility will also house a High-Performance Sports Science Centre equipped with sports medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, biomechanics, performance analytics and sports psychology services to support athletes in the years ahead.
During the event, the Government of Meghalaya and the Indian Olympic Association formally signed the Host State Agreement for the 39th National Games 2027, signalling the state’s readiness to host India’s premier multi-sport event. The agreement outlines the legal, financial and operational responsibilities of both parties.
The Games will be held across Shillong, Tura and Jowai and are expected to attract more than 10,000 athletes from across the country. The event is also projected to generate over 5,400 employment opportunities in Meghalaya.
The 39th National Games will coincide with Meghalaya’s 55th Statehood Year celebrations in 2027. Meghalaya will become the third northeastern state after Assam and Manipur to host the National Games.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised Meghalaya’s preparations for the Games and highlighted the state’s ability to complete major infrastructure projects efficiently. He said facilities such as the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium would help boost sports tourism and create employment opportunities.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the development of world-class infrastructure and the hosting of national and international sporting events would transform Meghalaya into a leading sports hub and create new opportunities for the youth of the state. He added that hosting the National Games is part of a long-term vision to build a strong sporting culture in Meghalaya.
The government described the twin events as a landmark achievement that reinforces Meghalaya’s growing position in India’s sporting landscape while strengthening sports infrastructure and youth development across the state.
