Prez Murmu advocates tribal talent and women in sports at M’laya Games inauguration

TURA:

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, emphasised the urgent need to support talent from tribal areas and groom them into professional sportspersons. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5th Meghalaya Games at the PA Sangma Stadium in Tura, West Garo Hills, she acknowledged the tremendous potential North East India has for the development of sports and sportspersons citing its traditionally strong sports culture, with the tribal population of the region being good at many sports.

“Diversity is the beauty of our nation, and we should utilise it to further boost India’s global image in the sports arena,” President Murmu said, while underlining the potential of adventure sports and adventure tourism in the region, urging its exploration and prioritisation.

President Murmu also highlighted the North East’s contribution to women in sports, acknowledging the encouragement women receive to play and pursue sports professionally in the region. “I am happy to note that the society of North East encourages women to play and join sports as a profession. North East region has produced many great women athletes,” President Murmu stated.

President Murmu also praised the North East region for producing great women athletes and noted the significant contribution of the region’s sportspersons to India’s success in international tournaments such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. She recalled that, last week, she gave Arjuna award to hockey player Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Wushu player Naorem Roshibina Devi in a ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“Meghalaya Games will encourage athletes for excellence, promote competitiveness and create a vibrant sporting ecosystem,” President Murmu further said.

An extraordinary moment in the programme was when President Murmu once again took to the podium after finishing her official speech. Speaking in Hindi, she thanked the gathering for waiting for more than 3 hours before the inaugural ceremony at the stadium on the cold winter evening, with some participants without shirts.

The 5th Meghalaya Games, officially inaugurated by President Murmu, is historic for being the first time held in Tura, outside Shillong, and including traditional indigenous games. Almost 3000 athletes will compete in 23 disciplines across 16 venues in Tura over the next six days.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Governor of Meghalaya Phagu Chauhan, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Tura MP Agatha Sangma, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri, PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak, Power Minister A T Mondal, and other cabinet ministers and state officials.

In his remarks, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma called the event historic, highlighting its significance as a meaningful and important investment in the future of the state’s youth. He expressed gratitude for President Murmu’s presence, making the event even more meaningful.

“We believe in giving the right opportunity to our youth. We believe that these programs, these games that we have, the different festivals that we have, are important investments in our youth and the returns of this will be there for generations to come,” he said.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s emphasis on the celebration of the state’s youth, its culture, and its symbolic unity. CM Sangma’s wife, Mehtab Sangma, presented Prez Murmu with welcome gifts, including games souvenirs, dakmanda, and a handmade Eri Silk Saree crafted by artisans of Garo hills.