Shillong, Feb 17 (UNI) Reiterating the government’s commitment to host the National Games 2022, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said preparations for the event are at an advanced stage.
Sangma said this at the opening ceremony of Meghalaya Games 2019-2020 at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports complex.
Altogether 1,559 athletes and officials are participating in the state-wide games that is being held after a gap of over 10 years.
Sangma said that the ongoing State Games would help talents to be discovered and there is a need to hold the State Games on a regular and consistent basis.
Congratulating the organizers for holding the State Games after a gap of sixteen years, Sangma said that Sports is much more than games as it is encompasses culture, values, discipline and helps the overall development of personality.
“It is not only the talent of the person but hard work, discipline and commitment that makes a successful sportsperson and it is these values which will produce responsible and hardworking citizens,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma said that sports need to be nurtured and the government is focusing on adopting a scientific approach to identify and develop the talents of young people from a very early age.
He said it is very heartening to see the participation of the athletes and the support to them by parents, teachers and sports associations in spite of the strategic timing in academic year when examinations are underway
Sports & Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh said the State Games is a platform for the young, impressionable minds to learn the values of discipline, responsibility, team spirit and hard work not only in sports but in all walks of life.
“Meghalaya Games is an opportunity to identify and prepare athletes for the National Games 2022,” he said.
Lyngdoh also gave an overview of the preparedness of the State for the National Games 2022.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and the other dignitaries unveiled the Postage Stamp to commemorate the Meghalaya Games 2022 and also launched the Meghalaya State Olympic Association website.
The Meghalaya Games 2019-2020 will be held from 17th Feb-21st Feb 2020.
A total of 1559 athletes with 236 managers will be competing in 14 disciplines viz. Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Billiards/Snooker, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis and Wushu.
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