Bringing together, 3500 athletes from 29 different sports, across all the 12 districts of Meghalaya, the 6th Edition of Meghalaya Games, 2025 was inaugurated at the Wahiajer Stadium, Jowai, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The biggest annual multi-sport event of the state showcases Meghalaya’s sporting prowess and its readiness to host national-level competitions, with the 2027 National Games on the horizon. The Meghalaya Games, 2025 will also host three traditional sports of the state, Mawpoin, Rah Moo Khrah and An’Ding Oka, reflecting the state’s commitment to preserve and promote indigenous sports.
Addressing a packed stadium, Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma stated that these games are not just sports but the Government’s investment in its youth. He said, “As a government, we have always mentioned to all of you that the youth are very important part of our policy making; of the schemes that we implement; of the work that this government does. And this particular games and the four games that happened during the tenure of this government, is a testament of this commitment to our youth. We ensure that these games are held on a rotation basis because we know that every region has its strengths. Every region, every district must be developed and given the opportunity to host games like these. Today, with the hosting of this game, lot of infrastructure development has taken place in Jowai area and West Jaintia hills as a whole. whether it is about road construction or its improvement of buildings or construction of massive stadium like this.”
Notably, for the first time, the Meghalaya games will feature seven para-athletes, four women, and three men, set to take part in the para-shooting event (pistol and rifles).
The state anthem filled the air, followed by a dynamic parade of athletes, symbolizing unity, and the indomitable spirit of Meghalaya’s youth. A special highlight of the evening was the singing of the Games’ theme song, “Niom Beit Naphang”. The official mascot, “U Kiang,” inspired by the clouded leopard and a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah, was a poignant reminder of Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit.
In his speech, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Shri Shakliar Warjri, highlighted the transformative impact of sports in Meghalaya, thanking each and everyone who have worked hard to make the Meghalaya Games, light of the day. He stated that beyond wins and losses, the games like this become a platform for people to visit various parts of the state, for the first time; just like the 6th edition of the games have made many people travel to Jaintia hills for the first time. Our aim is to ensure that the athletes who have performed well in these games go on to represent and excel in global events like the Olympics.
The previous edition of the Meghalaya Games 2024, inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu held at P A Sangma Stadium, Tura, left an indelible mark on Meghalaya’s sporting legacy. The games had over 3000 participants competing across 22 sporting disciplines which included two demonstration sports. This year thus marks an increase in not only the number of participants, but also competitive and four demonstration sports, including traditional sports of Meghalaya.
The games are set to award over 1,600 medals across six days of intense competition. The Games are set to be conducted across multiple venues in Jowai and other locations in West Jaintia Hills, under the supervision of 500 technical officials.
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