Shillong, April 1: Meghalaya marked a major milestone in water sports by successfully hosting the inaugural Indian Sailing League (ISL), which concluded with a grand ceremony at the Orchid Sports Complex, Umiam. The five-day event witnessed participation from 182 sailors, including 58 international competitors from countries such as Russia, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
In a competitive showdown among 14 franchises Bhopal Tritons secured first place, AJ’s Vizag Viking finished second and Shillong Umiam Navigators (SUN) claimed third. Other teams including Deccan Skippers, VIR Cholas, and Pune Peshwas followed in the rankings. A total prize pool of ₹1.5 crore was awarded across categories.
Officials praised the successful execution of the event and Meghalaya’s growing sports infrastructure. Chaitanya Awasthi, IAS, lauded the talent, sportsmanship, and organisation, highlighting the importance of nurturing athletes for international competitions.
Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd.), President of the Yachting Association of India, commended the state government’s strong support, noting that Umiam has rapidly developed into a premier sailing destination.
The league featured multiple categories including ILCA 4 (boys & girls), ILCA 6 & 7, 420 class, Optimist, Techno 293 and Olympic classes. Innovative race formats such as Rig-and-Race and transition events added excitement for participants and spectators.
The event was inaugurated earlier by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, underscoring the state’s push for sports development. With the successful conclusion of ISL, Meghalaya is now set to host the 4th North East Regatta from April 2–6, 2026, further strengthening its position as a national hub for water sports tourism.
The successful hosting of consecutive large-scale events reinforces Meghalaya’s growing reputation on the national and international sports tourism map, with Umiam emerging as a key destination for competitive water sports in India.
