"For policymakers, sports is more than just a game as we have to direct and channel the energies of the youth," said Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma while attending the closing ceremony of the 83rd National Table Tennis Championships at SAI Centre, NEHU on April 25, 2022.

"We understand that sports play a crucial role in character building," the CM added.

Sangma also expressed his condolence to the family of late Vishwa Deenadayalan, a promising national paddler, who died in a tragic road accident on his way to Shillong to participate in the games.

Expressing his thanks to the organisers of the 83^rd National Table Tennis Championships in Shillong, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of sports in the life of youngsters. “

The values of hard work, teamwork, and Sportsmanship are the values which are inherently shaped by Sports, he added.

"I truly believe that whenever there is an opportunity to provide a platform for youngsters to grow into the areas of Sports that they have passion for we must ensure that every step is taken to give them the push," Sangma added.

The Chief Minister also expressed happiness that the National Table Tennis Championships was held in the year when the state is celebrating its Golden Jubilee.

"We have many more programmes chalked out to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the State and these programmes will not just mark the 50^th Year celebrations but provide a platform for the youth to showcase and promote their talents in the Sports, Music, and Arts,” he added.

The Chief Minister later distributed the awards to the winners of the Men’s Singles.

The winners in this category were 1^st Achanta Sharath Kamal, 2^nd Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and 3^rd Shah Manush and Shetty Sanil Shankar.

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