Shillong: The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) has expressed confidence in Meghalaya’s preparations to host the 39th National Games in March 2027, describing the sporting infrastructure inspected so far as promising.
GTCC chairperson Sunaina Kumari, who led a team on a four-day visit to the state from November 2 to 5, said the committee was satisfied with the progress of work at various sporting venues in Shillong and Jowai.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Kumari said the team had inspected several venues and held discussions with government departments, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and other stakeholders to assess preparations.
“All the infrastructure is ready. The ones we have seen till now are promising and positive,” she said, adding that the committee would inspect additional venues during subsequent visits.
She said the team was encouraged by the coordination among various departments and their shared commitment to ensuring the successful conduct of the Games.
On the distribution of sporting disciplines, Kumari said the final list was yet to be decided and would be announced after approval from the IOA.
She indicated that Meghalaya could host around 20 disciplines, adding that events would be spread across different locations to encourage wider public participation and promote sports beyond a single region.
Kumari also dismissed suggestions that events were being distributed outside Shillong because of inadequate sporting infrastructure in the state.
On accommodation, she said Meghalaya would not have a dedicated Games Village. Instead, athletes and officials would be accommodated in hotels and other available facilities closer to their respective competition venues.
The committee also discussed traffic management with stakeholders, particularly in Shillong, where congestion remains a major concern.
Kumari said further consultations would be held with the police and traffic authorities after the venues and sporting disciplines were finalised. The discussions would focus on planning movement routes for athletes and officials while minimising inconvenience to the public.
Regarding the schedule, she said the state government had proposed March 10 to 30, 2027, but the dates were yet to receive final confirmation.
Earlier, Joint Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Alertson Nongbri said the state government had signed the hosting agreement on May 30, 2026.
He said the Games would be held across Shillong, Jowai and Tura, adding that the IOA constituted the GTCC on October 14 as part of the preparations.
The November 2-5 visit was the committee’s first to Meghalaya, with further inspections expected as preparations gather pace ahead of the national sporting event.
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