National Games 2027: IOA Tightens Technical Oversight as Meghalaya Prepares to Host

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has constituted a five-member Games Technical Conduct Committee to oversee the sporting programme and technical preparations for the 39th National Games, scheduled to be held in Meghalaya in 2027.

The committee will play a key role in ensuring that the Games are conducted according to established sporting standards, with responsibilities ranging from competition scheduling and athlete eligibility to equipment specifications and venue readiness.

According to an IOA communication to Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Sunaina Kumari has been appointed chairperson of the panel. Ravinder Choudhary, Maninder Pal Singh, V Sunil Kumar and Dushyant Sharma are the other members.

The committee will supervise the sporting programme, finalise competition schedules and sport entries, and examine eligibility requirements, technical specifications, competition equipment and the preparedness of venues. It will also assess compliance with the requirements of national and international sports federations, IOA-approved Games rules and other applicable standards.

The panel may be expanded to include additional members, technical experts and representatives of the relevant National Sports Federations, depending on the requirements of its work.

Beyond monitoring preparations, the committee will submit recommendations and reports to the IOA and address technical issues specific to individual sports. However, the final sports programme and matters requiring approval under the host-state agreement will remain under the IOA's authority.

The communication also makes clear that technical directions issued by the IOA and the committee, within their respective jurisdictions, will be binding on the Meghalaya government, the National Games Secretariat Society and other stakeholders responsible for delivering the event. Such directions will remain subject to the IOA Constitution and applicable law.

The IOA has asked the Meghalaya government and the National Games Secretariat Society to provide the committee with the administrative and logistical support required to carry out its responsibilities. This includes travel, accommodation, transport, office facilities and secretarial assistance.