SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has named its state animal, the Clouded Leopard as the mascot for the National Games 2022, which will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the state’s existence, IANS reports.
Meghalaya Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh confirmed the development following an executive meeting held on Monday specifically for the tournament. He stated that the Education and the Information and Public Relations department will co-host a competition which will involve locals giving out their ideas for the logo and theme of the National Games.
“The members agreed that the clouded leopard will be the mascot for the National Games. A competition to design a smiling clouded leopard will be open to all,” Lyngdoh told IANS.
For the event’s smooth operations, a sub-committees will be formed which will be led by the CEO of the Games Secretariat, which will be accountable to report to the National Games Organising Committee for finalising the number of sporting events, venues and sports infrastructure.
Lyngdoh added that the Meghalaya Ministry of Social Justice will be funding the formation of the main stadium for the event informed which will be constructed over approximately 50 acres in Mawdiangdiang. In addition, the state Urban Development Authority will provide 64.34 acres for building the Games Village.
“The Master Plan will be compiled by the Director Sports and Youth Affairs department and submitted to the Chairman of National Games Organising Committee who is also the Chief Minister (Conrad Sangma) in the first week of May,” Lyngdoh added.
Meghalaya head of police R Chandranathan has agreed for conducting a talent hunt in the police department to identify sportspersons, who will be given incentives to participate in the event.
“A policy to implement the same will be drafted by the police department. The National Informatics Centre along with state’s information and technology department will develop a website for the National Games,” the Sports Minister signed off.
Nearly 15,000 athletes and officials are expected to visit Meghalaya during the Games.
