Tura: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the 5th Edition of the Meghalaya Games today in Tura, Meghalaya, emphasizing the enormous potential for sports development and talent in the North East region.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu acknowledged the strong sports culture traditionally present in the North East and stressed the beauty of India’s diversity. She urged the nation to leverage this diversity to enhance India’s global standing in the sports arena. Emphasizing the significance of supporting talent from tribal areas, the President expressed the need to nurture these individuals into professional athletes.
President Murmu commended the North East society for encouraging women to actively participate in sports, highlighting the region’s production of many outstanding women athletes. Additionally, she underscored the potential for adventure sports and adventure tourism in the North East, urging a priority focus on exploration and utilization.
Reflecting on India’s evolving sporting culture, the President praised the government’s initiatives and support for athletes, resulting in increased medal victories in global events. She cited programs like Khelo India as instrumental in identifying and nurturing future sports champions. India’s successful hosting of large-scale international sporting and other events showcased the country’s capabilities on the global stage.
Encouraging children and youth to engage in sports, President Murmu emphasized that participating together fosters team spirit and competitiveness, contributing to physical and mental well-being. She welcomed the government’s decision to host sporting events in different parts of the state, ensuring wider accessibility and expressing confidence that events like Meghalaya Games will inspire athletes, promote competitiveness, and create a vibrant sporting ecosystem.