Tura, Jan 20: Tura knows how to put on a show.

Capping off a week of intense sporting activity in 23 sporting disciplines across 16 venues in Tura, the flames of the 5th Meghalaya Games was officially put out at the P A Sangma stadium on Saturday night with fireworks and cultural performances before the night sky lit up to a dazzling display of fireworks.

Legendary rock group from Garo Hills Riprap closed the musical night for the games with high voltage riffs on the electric guitar belting out their greatest numbers that had athletes and audiences on their feet.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma termed the holding of the state games as something, “very crucial to uncovering new talent and future sports stars of the state who would contribute to the building of a stronger sporting ecosystem in the entire state.”

This has been amazing week for Tura, its citizens and, more importantly, the over 3000 athletes who came together to make this first ever state games in garo Hills a resounding success.

East Khasi Hills with a tally of 359 medals, including 132 gold, 105 silver and 122 bronze, was declared the Champion of Champions and the stadium erupted in thunderous applause when Chief minister Conrad K Sangma handed over the Champions trophy to the team.

A record haul in medals, the discovery of raw talent and stars, at times from the remotest and least expected of rural places, spectacular display of sporting endeavor and sportsmanship, the hugely enthusiastic crowds at the games, the sophisticated sporting infrastructure witnessed and experienced will forever be etched in the memory of the athletes as they leave Tura.

Speaking before a packed audience at the P A Sangma sports complex, flanked by sports minister Shakliar Warjri as the Guest of Honour, minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, and top officials of the state including chief secretary D P Wahlang, commissioner and secretary Dr D Vijay Kumar and other dignitaries, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was thrilled by the success of the games.

“The youth should be able to pursue their passion, speak their minds and become leaders for the future generations of Meghalaya. As we close this chapter and look forward to the 2025 Meghalaya Games in Jowai, we look forward to nurturing and expanding our sports culture across districts, encouraging dreams, and fostering a healthier, more vibrant Meghalaya,” said the chief minister.

He added that holding the games on such a gigantic scale in tura for the first time has offered the government “valuable insights into logistics required to host world-class sports events and will certainly help in our preparation for the National Games, a part of which will be hosted in Tura.”

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that it was an honour to have President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, open the 5th Meghalaya Games in Tura.

“The past week has made us witness exciting stories and memorable moments. The new and refurbished infrastructure as part of the larger sports development plan, including Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletics Stadium, Indoor Hall Hawakhana, Don Bosco College Basketball Court, and Rongkhon Swimming Pool. The Government is committed to continue invest in sports, with a focus on better infrastructure, athletes’ training, and empowerment of all stakeholders,” promised the chief minister.

Assuring of all possible help from the government side to help train young sportspersons, Conrad Sangma said that the Meghalaya Government in its long term vision is putting continued efforts to bring out quality athletes who would be able to bring laurels not just at the state and national level but also at international level with the Olympics being the highest goal.

“This would be not just in terms of infrastructure development but also the possibility of having Centres of Excellence for different disciplines to be nurtured through professional support and guidance to our budding potential upcoming athletes,” he said.

The Chief Minister also formally announced that the 6th edition of the Meghalaya Games would be held at Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District in 2025 with the Closing ceremony to take place on Meghalaya Day 21st January.

It was also a historic day for the state because for the very first time the state anthem, released after 52 long years, was played in a government function to close the games.

Sports and Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri also addressed the crowds and said, “ It is the intention of the Government to host the Meghalaya games every year and to also keep on improving the state.”

– Jowai will be the host of the next Meghalaya Games 2025

-Champion of Champions, East Khasi Hills with a medal tally of 132 gold, 105 silver and 122 bronze (a total of 359 medals) was the standout district

Ri-Bhoi ends up as first runner up with 79 medals

West Jaintia Hills becomes the second runner up with 68 medals

PDIANGSUKLANG SYNGWAN wins highest number of medals in Swimming from EAST KHASI HILLS and finishes with 6 GOLD, 1 SILVER, 1 BRONZE

Also Read : 5th Meghalaya Games | Volleyball | South West Khasi Hills & West Garo Hills clinch gold

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