Shillong, Nov 11: The 2nd edition of the North East Olympic Games 2022 kickstarted with a grand spectacle on Thursday evening, with artists and athletes and dignitaries from across the region in attendance at the SAI Athletics field, NEHU, Shillong. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma officially opened the games by lightning the ceremonial lamp.
What a grand opening to the 2nd edition of the #NorthEastOlympicGames2022 hosted by #Meghalaya!
I welcome all our athletes from NE!@narendramodi @ianuragthakur @kishanreddybjp @himantabiswa @PSTamangGolay @PemaKhanduBJP @DrManikSaha2 @Neiphiu_Rio @ZoramthangaCM @NBirenSingh pic.twitter.com/garvORGZwz
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 10, 2022
The Olympic torch, crafted in the traditional style using local materials, was handed over to CM Sangma by star Meghalaya runner Marso Kyndait. The CM placed it on the pedestal where it will remain for the rest of the Games. The games will conclude on November 16, 2022.
In this edition, about 3000 participants from all around the North East states will be competing in 18 disciplines at 12 venues spread across Shillong city.
In his inaugural speech, Sangma said sports are important for youths to learn and improve critical thinking among the youths and it also helps in shaping the mind and personality. He congratulated all the athletes who are participating in the event and said that it will be memorable opportunity. He urged the athletes to uphold the ethics of sportsmanship and to make the best out of the event.
The Chief Minister added that the event is a platform for the athletes of the region to make a mark for themselves and hopefully will do in international events such as the Olympics.
“Meghalaya is celebrating 50 years of statehood and to mark this we have to celebrate the youth. We were firm to host the North East Olympic Games in Shillong in this very special year. We have always believed that the youth are the greatest strength of the nation. We have to help them channel their energy in positive ways and hence we wanted to this the North East Olympic Games. Sports is not only about results but the personality that develops, like how to learn from a loss, improving and playing fair,” he said.
An array of cultural and dances accompanied by musical evening was part of the opening ceremony which was attended by dignitaries from different parts of the Northeastern regions. There was a line-up of artistic acts, including the performance of the Games’ official anthem ‘Play’ by Summersalt and other artists from the North East; musical performances by Tarari Choir, Pynter Orchestra and Lamphang Syiemlieh & Ensemble; fireworks display; laser show; a song and dance performance that was a cultural extravaganza; and stunning drone show.
The event is jointly organised by the Government of Meghalaya along with the North East Olympic Association and Meghalaya State Olympic Association.
Some shots of the opening ceremony:
