SHILLONG : Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday described the upcoming National Games as the biggest event Meghalaya will host in its 54-year history, saying the government is making preparations on all fronts and seeking the support of every citizen to make the event a success.
Speaking after inaugurating the District School Education Office-cum-Multilevel Car Park at Mawkhar and the Multilevel Car Park at Motphran, Sangma said the National Games, scheduled to be held in Meghalaya next year, would be a significant milestone for the state.
“Next year we will have the National Games happening in Meghalaya. This is mainly one of the biggest events that Meghalaya will host ever in the past 54 years. Hence, this is a very important moment for us,” he said.
The Chief Minister informed that the organising committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was currently in Shillong to discuss preparations and other arrangements with the state government.
“We are preparing from all angles. The organising committee from the IOA is in Shillong right now discussing all details with the state government to see the preparedness,” he said.
Emphasising that the National Games should be viewed as a collective responsibility, Sangma said the event was not merely a government programme but belonged to the entire state.
“This is not just a government’s event but it is a Meghalaya state’s event. Every citizen has a role to play, everybody has a contribution to make,” he said.
He urged residents to extend warm hospitality to athletes and visitors arriving from different parts of the country, adding that even a simple gesture of welcoming guests with a smile would contribute to the success of the Games.
“Even if we are able to smile and receive our guests with a very warm heart and warm smile, that is your contribution to this game. Taking care of the athletes who are coming from outside, making them feel at home, making them realise the warmth of our culture and our hospitality, that is the contribution which each and everyone of us will make,” he said.
Regarding the dates of the National Games in March, Sangma said the state government was awaiting confirmation of the Prime Minister’s availability for the event.
“We are waiting for the Prime Minister’s dates but we look forward to working with every citizen to make these games one of the most memorable ones,” he added.