President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 5th Edition of the Meghalaya Games in Tura, Meghalaya on Monday during her first visit to the State. Speaking on the occasion, the President acknowledged that the strong sports culture in the North Eastern Region and emphasized the need to support the talent from the tribal areas and groom them to become professional sportspersons.

She said that the region has a tremendous potential for development of sports and sportspersons and expressed her happiness that it has produced many great women athletes. She also underlined the potential of adventure sports and adventure tourism in this region and the need to explore and leverage it on priority.

President Murmu noted that India’s sporting culture has developed immensely in recent years and encouraged children and youth to learn at least one sport and participate in sports activities. She said that they may or may not adopt sports as a career but playing together will inculcate team spirit and competitiveness in their personality apart from keeping them physically and mentally fit.

Appreciating the government’s initiatives and programs to boost sports and to identify and nurture future sports champions, the President expressed confidence that the events like Meghalaya Games will encourage athletes for excellence, promote competitiveness and create a vibrant sporting ecosystem.

Around 3000 athletes from across the State will be competing in 23 disciplines which will be played in 16 venues in Tura. It is the first time that the Meghalaya Games is being held outside State Capital Shillong.