Meghalaya prepares for National Games 2022 despite COVID-19 pandemic: Lyngdoh

Shillong, May 22: Meghalaya continued its efforts in preparing for the 39th edition of the National Games in 2022 despite the prevailing health scenario caused by COVID-19, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh said on Friday.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed the Assembly that the Union Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for construction of a disabled-friendly stadium for hosting the National Games 2022.

An amount of Rs 100 crore will be sanctioned for development of different stadiums state’s own resources, Sangma added.

Replying to a motion moved by opposition Congress legislator Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang, Lyngdoh said a significant progress has been made in infrastructure planning and team preparation.

“We are happy to inform that the government will be hosting most of the games at venues which will either be built or renovated on government land and no money has been spent for land acquisition,” the Sports and Youth Affairs said, adding that land parcels have been identified in the host city as well as the sub-city.

Lyngdoh said that the COVID-19 situation has also upended the sporting calendar, with professional leagues everywhere suspending their activities to limit the spread of the virus.

“Doubts have been raised on the conduct of the 36th National Games to be hosted by Goa,” he said, even as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has finalized October 20, next as the start date for the National Games in Goa.