Mawkyrwat, October 19: South West Khasi Hills District emerged as the overall champion of the 2nd National Health Mission (NHM) Sports Meet 2026, organised by the National Health Mission Employees Association of Meghalaya (NEAM) for the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills regions, which concluded at Mawkyrwat on October 16.
The three-day sporting event, held from October 14 to 16 under the theme “Wellness Through Sports, Service Through Health,” brought together more than 170 participants from seven districts, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, friendship and sportsmanship among NHM employees.
The Sports Meet aimed to strengthen the relationship between personal well-being and effective healthcare services by encouraging healthcare personnel to adopt healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity. The initiative also highlighted the importance of physical fitness and mental well-being among health workers, particularly in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and building a healthier workforce.
The competition featured several sporting disciplines, including men’s football, women’s futsal, basketball, men’s and women’s tug of war, 100-metre races and 4 × 100-metre relay races.These events provided participants with opportunities to demonstrate their sporting abilities, discipline, teamwork and determination while strengthening relationships among NHM employees from different districts.
The closing ceremony was held on October 16 at Mawkyrwat Football Stadium, Nonglang, with Additional Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills District, B. Kharjana attending as the chief guest. District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), South West Khasi Hills, Dr. C. Lamin, and Dr. W. L. Narry of MCH, Shillong, attended as guests of honour.
The programme began with a welcome address and briefing on the NHM Sports Meet 2026 by Sports Organising Secretary Hiporly Talang, who highlighted the objectives of the event and emphasised the importance of unity, participation and wellness among NHM employees.
NEAM General Secretary Kordor Lyngdoh also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of cooperation, association and collective efforts in strengthening the NHM workforce. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. C. Lamin and Dr. W. L. Narry highlighted the importance of maintaining good health and well-being, particularly among healthcare personnel, while encouraging participation in sporting activities.
Chief guest B. Kharjana emphasised the values of discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship developed through sports and encouraged the participants to carry these qualities into their professional responsibilities.
The closing ceremony also witnessed the distribution of prizes to winners of the various sporting competitions in recognition of their achievements, dedication and competitive spirit. In the overall championship standings, South West Khasi Hills District secured the championship title based on points accumulated across the sporting disciplines. West Khasi Hills District finished as the first runner-up, while East Khasi Hills District secured the second runner-up position. Meanwhile, East Jaintia Hills District received the Best Cheering Team award.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Skhemboklang Marbaniang, Secretary, District Executive Committee (DEC), South West Khasi Hills, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participating districts, organisers, officials and volunteers for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the event.
The organisers stated that the theme “Wellness Through Sports, Service Through Health” reflected the importance of a healthy and motivated workforce in delivering quality healthcare services to the public. By bringing NHM employees together beyond their routine professional duties, the Sports Meet sought to strengthen unity, friendship and a shared commitment towards improving public health.
The event concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting teamwork, discipline, healthy living and service within their workplaces and communities.
