Shillong, May 22: East Khasi Hills emerged as the overall champions of the State-Level Inter-School Athletics Meet 2026, which concluded on Friday at the Sports Training Centre, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Mawkynroh, NEHU Campus, Shillong.
The three-day sporting event, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Meghalaya Athletics Association, witnessed participation of nearly 900 athletes representing all 12 districts and competing across 48 events.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said Meghalaya is taking unprecedented steps to strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state. He informed that the sports department’s annual budget has increased from ₹40 crore seven years ago to ₹844 crore this year under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The minister also highlighted the newly passed Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy, which guarantees direct government jobs to medal winners at major events such as the National Games, South Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympics. He further stated that Meghalaya will host the 39th National Games next year and reiterated the government’s vision to prepare an Olympian by 2036.
In the final overall standings, East Khasi Hills secured the championship title with 135 points, including 78 points from the girls’ category and 57 points from the boys’ category. West Jaintia Hills finished runners-up with 73 points, while Ri Bhoi claimed third place with 49 points.
The meet also recognised outstanding athletes across different age groups. Ewandame Mark Syiemlieh of East Khasi Hills and Lamsaka Dkhar of East Jaintia Hills were adjudged best athletes in the Under-14 category. Highbornson Muksor of East Jaintia Hills and Amandy Rumnong of East Khasi Hills won the honours in the Under-16 category, while Cherim Ch Sangma of North Garo Hills and Tusame N Marak of East Khasi Hills bagged the best athlete titles in the Under-18 category.
Cherim Ch Sangma from Bajengdoba, North Garo Hills, expressed gratitude to the government for providing athletes with exposure through the event. He said the competition helped him become part of the Super Elite Pathway programme under STAR in preparation for the upcoming National Games.
The final day of the meet featured several track and field finals, including the Under-18 200 metre races, Under-16 300 metre races, discus throw, shot put, high jump, javelin and relay events.
