Meghalaya CM hopes to get Centre's backing in hosting National

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday expressed optimism that the Centre will be supporting the state to host the National Games in 2022, the budget of which has been estimated to be between Rs 1500 crore and Rs 2000 crore.

A delegation from the state will visit New Delhi soon to make a presentation before Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard, he said.

"We have budgeted anything between Rs 1,500 crore and Rs 2,000 crore for the games to be held successfully. We are hoping that the Government of India will be supporting us," Conrad said.

He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the proposed site for construction of a stadium at Mawdiangdiang area, around 15 km from here.

"We are also looking at areas where we can have private plyers investing some money and have some kind of understanding," the chief minister said.

Construction of other facilities in others districts will also be briefed to the prime minister, he said.

The Union Ministry of Social Justice had announced sanctioning of Rs 300 crore for the construction of a multi- facility stadium at a 50 acre land identified in the New Shillong Township for hosting the National Games 2022.

Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said his department has identified a 70 acre land for construction of the games village, the expenditure of which will be borne by the state government.