Shillong, Dec 14: The state government will be spending over Rs 23 crore for the Meghalaya Games to be held at Tura, West Garo Hills District from January 15 to 20, 2024.

Over 3,000 athletes will be competing in 22 disciplines. Traditional or indigenous games will also be organized as part of promoting the rich culture and tradition of the three tribes (Khasi, Jaintia & Garo) of Meghalaya through sports.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri said the preparation for the Meghalaya Games is going on in full swing.

“Everything is being done (as we speak) and we assure that it will be a very successful Meghalaya Games. I have personally visited (Tura) 6-7 times, to make sure all athletes, their accommodations are being taken care of,” he said adding “So everything is being done and preparations are on and there is no need to worry about the accommodation.”

He informed that the government is spending nearly Rs 23 crore for the Meghalaya Games. Justifying this, Warjri said, “We are spending to see that our athletes are being looked after in terms of transportation and accommodation. We are organizing 22 disciplines and I don’t think it is too much as we want to give our youths the best, that is why we are spending. Over 3,000 athletes are participating in the games.”

Stating that the objective of the Meghalaya Games is to promote sportspersons in the state, the minister said, “It is to give them a chance to showcase their talents and I believe with this it will help them a lot. We want to host the Meghalaya Games to give them a platform to grow and hope through this someday they will emerge and can take part in national events as well.”

He said there are no new infrastructures being constructed as the government is taking the help of schools and colleges for accommodating the athletes and officials. The games will be held in different sporting facilities in various locations of Tura.

Further, the minister said the government has also decided to include indigenous games.

“Maw-point, a popular indigenous game from Khasi Hills, will also be included. We are also looking at Jaintia and Garo Hills but we are yet to finalise. We want to include indigenous games in order to promote our rich culture through sports,” he added.

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