Amlarem, March 02 : The Water Sports Festival 2026 was successfully organized on 28th February 2026 at Shnongpdeng Village, beside the Umngot River, as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration commemorating 50 years of Amlarem Civil Sub-Division. The programme was chaired by Dapbor Syngkrem, Secretary, Shnongpdeng, and the Welcome Address was delivered by Saio BBM Syngkrem, President of Seng Samla Shnongpdeng Cultural & Sports Club. The event was organized by the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Amlarem, in collaboration with Seng Samla Shnongpdeng Cultural & Sports Club and the District Sports Office, West Jaintia Hills.
The programme was graced by Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister in charge of Education, Information & Public Relations, Law, and Revenue & Disaster Management Departments, Government of Meghalaya, and MLA of 7 Amlarem Constituency, as the Chief Guest. Among those present were Kum. Vevotolu Kezo, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Amlarem; Dr. Kaveri Rabha, MCS, Assistant Commissioner; K.M. Sangma, SDPO, Amlarem; D. Lyngdoh, Block Development Officer, Amlarem C&RD Block; Khrawbok Passah, District Sports Officer, West Jaintia Hills; the Daloi; Rangbah Shnong of Shnongpdeng and Lamba; officials from ASA; village authorities; and members of the public.
In his address, the Chief Guest expressed gratitude to God for gathering the community at the scenic Shnongpdeng during this historic Golden Jubilee year. He stated that the completion of fifty years of Amlarem Civil Sub-Division is a matter of pride, as the Sub-Division has significantly enhanced administrative accessibility and brought sustained developmental benefits to the people of the region. Paying tribute to the elders and visionary leaders who worked towards its establishment, he emphasized that unity, discipline, preservation of cultural values, cleanliness, and hospitality are essential for continued progress, particularly in view of Shnongpdeng’s growing tourism potential. Acknowledging developmental challenges due to geographical and land constraints, he assured continued government efforts to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in the region. He encouraged the youth to take advantage of various government schemes and platforms created under the leadership of the Chief Minister to showcase their talents and actively contribute to regional development. He also extended his best wishes to students appearing for examinations and reaffirmed his commitment to work alongside the Sub-Division authorities and the people to promote holistic development across all sectors.
In her remarks, the SDO (Civil), Kum. Vevotolu Kezo, IAS, stated that the Water Sports Festival marks the first of a series of programmes planned throughout the Golden Jubilee year until November 2026. She emphasized that such initiatives promote sports culture, tourism potential, and collaboration between the local community and government institutions. She informed that upcoming activities will include sports events, marathons, awareness programmes under various departments, competitions, and tourism-related initiatives. She congratulated the participants and winners and appreciated the cooperation extended by all stakeholders in ensuring the success of the programme.
The prize winners were structured as follows:
Boating – Men: First Prize (₹10,000) – Broken Syngkrem; Second Prize (₹7,000) – Ong Pohktai; Third Prize (₹5,000) – Bakynsai Lamin.
Boating – Women: First Prize (₹10,000) – Bethania Lamin; Second Prize (₹7,000) – Jesica Lamin; Third Prize (₹5,000) – Rebeca Lamin.
Swimming Competition – Junior Boys: First Prize (₹5,000) – John Paul Ryngksai; Second Prize (₹3,000) – Nobleson Syngkrem; Third Prize (₹2,000) – Nangkiew Sumer.
Swimming Competition – Women: First Prize (₹5,000) – Labilon Khongmuloh; Second Prize (₹3,000) – Darabakorbha Syngkrem; Third Prize (₹2,000) – Arwakamni Syngkrem.
Deep Water Competition: First Prize (₹5,000) – Tai Phrangkori Khongmuloh; Second Prize (₹3,000) – Carnelious Rymbai; Third Prize (₹2,000) – Rubenchel Lamin.
Water Polo: First Prize (₹15,000) – Frank Adventure; Second Prize (₹10,000) – Royal United.
Swimming Competition – Men (Senior): First Prize (₹7,000) – Hamdiyam Pohtam; Second Prize (₹5,000) – Embok Lymba; Third Prize (₹3,000) – Tourist Ryngksai.
The programme concluded with prize distribution and reaffirmed the shared commitment of the administration and the community to work together towards a united, progressive, and vibrant Amlarem Civil Sub-Division during its Golden Jubilee year.
