Shillong, July 26: In a significant development in hosting of the 39th National Games in 2027, it was decided that select disciplines of the mega event will be held across the North Eastern states. The shared hosting model aims at optimising resources and encouraging shared ownership.
The National Games were organised in the region in 1999, when Manipur hosted it, and in 2007, when Assam was the host.
Representatives of the region’s states unanimously approved the proposal during a first-of-its-kind inter-state coordination meeting held in Shillong on Saturday.
Sports ministers, top officials, and Olympic Association representatives from all the eight North Eastern states took part in the meeting convened by Meghalaya.
Chaired by Meghalaya sports and youth affairs minister Shakliar Warjri, the meeting outlined a collective vision for a Games edition that celebrates regional unity, infrastructure readiness, and sporting excellence.
“We are not just preparing to host the National Games — we are preparing to make history,” Warjri said. “This is an opportunity to show the strength of the Northeast, not only in sport but in solidarity.”
Arunachal Pradesh sports minister Kento Jini, who co-chaired the meeting, described the gathering as “a historic moment of inclusion,” adding that North East is “ready to shine—through infrastructure, talent, and collaboration.”
Meghalaya sports commissioner and secretary Dr Vijay Kumar D announced a Rs 1,500 crore investment plan that includes new stadiums, athlete hostels, sports medicine centres, and grassroots infrastructure across districts.
With over 10,000 athletes expected to compete in more than 30 disciplines, the 2027 National Games are set to be the largest sporting event ever hosted by Meghalaya.
More importantly, stakeholders said, it marks a turning point for Northeast India’s role on the national sports stage.
“This is more than just a sporting event,” Warjri concluded. “It’s a statement of who we are—united, determined, and ready to leave a legacy far beyond the Games.”
The delegates shared views and suggestions on how to coordinate efforts for the multi-state hosting concept, said John F Kharshiing, working president of Meghalaya State Olympics Association (MSOA).
Asked why the state was not hosting it alone, Kharshiing told PTI, “The proposal came from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Meghalaya government accepted it, considering that it will promote regional cooperation.”
“It also celebrates the rich sporting potential that the North East has always exemplified,” he added.
The participants of the meeting agreed to reconvene soon to finalise logistical and operational details of the event, Kharshiing said.
