Shillong, May 28: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will begin a three-day visit to Meghalaya on May 29 to review preparations for the 39th National Games 2026, inspect sports infrastructure projects and assess the implementation of central schemes in the state.
The minister is scheduled to participate in a series of meetings and programmes in Shillong till May 31 along with Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and senior state officials.
A key highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex in Shillong on May 30 alongside Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Constructed at a cost of ₹132.9 crore, the facility has been developed to host indoor sporting events such as basketball, badminton and volleyball and is expected to serve as one of the venues for the National Games.
Officials said the complex will also feature multipurpose halls, an auditorium and banquet facilities as part of Meghalaya’s broader sports infrastructure expansion plan.
During the visit, the Meghalaya government will formally sign the Host State Contract for the 39th National Games 2026 in the presence of representatives from the Indian Olympic Association and other senior officials.
Mandaviya will also chair a high-level review meeting on the National Games preparations, where officials from Meghalaya and other Northeastern states are expected to make presentations on infrastructure development and coordination efforts.
The Union minister is further scheduled to inspect the Umsawli Sports Complex, including the aquatics and tennis facilities, to assess ongoing development works linked to sports infrastructure projects in the state.
Apart from sports-related engagements, Mandaviya will review the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in Ri-Bhoi district under the Poorvottar Sampark Setu initiative on May 31. He is also expected to attend the Chintan Shivir organised by the Department of Youth Affairs during the visit.
The visit is being viewed as part of the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening sports infrastructure and youth engagement initiatives across the Northeast ahead of the National Games.
