Shillong, 5th February : Meghalaya has made history at the 38th National Games currently underway in Uttarakhand, with Pynshngaiñ Kurbah clinching the state’s first medal. This 21-year-old athlete from Labyrwa, Ri-Bhoi, secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Slalom K1 event yesterday.
Pynshngaiñ, a rising star in the sport, began kayaking less than seven years ago without any professional aspirations. Under the guidance of the Meghalaya Canoe Association, he has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s most promising athletes. Notably, he previously won a silver medal at the Khelo India Youth Games, marking Meghalaya’s highest achievement at that event. He currently trains alongside a talented group of athletes in Umtham, Ri-Bhoi, including Elizabeth Vincent, an Asian Championship Bronze Medallist. It is noteworthy that Elizabeth Vincent, along with Indra Sharma and Vikash Rana, will also be representing Meghalaya in the Kayaking and Canoeing events at the ongoing National Games.
Expressing his pride, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma tweeted, “Our heart swells with pride as Pynshngaiñ Kurbah paddled his way to 3rd place in Kayak Men Slalom, winning Meghalaya’s 1st medal in the 38th #NationalGames, Uttarakhand. Congratulations, Pynshngaiñ! We are so proud of you!”.
In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Pynshngaiñ will be awarded a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a cumulative scholarship of ₹72,000 under the State government’s sports incentive schemes.
This victory at the National Games, a significant milestone after a decade, is a testament to the collective efforts of Pynshngaiñ, the Meghalaya Canoe Association (MCA), and the unwavering support of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. The State has prioritized the development of sports, particularly focusing on water sports like kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and rowing.
The MCA, established by dedicated individuals to promote whitewater sports, has played a pivotal role. Sheela Vincent and Ian Vincent, the manager and coach of the State team, have been instrumental in nurturing young talent. The MCA, in collaboration with the Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Co-operative Society, has actively trained athletes and encouraged community participation since 2018.
The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has consistently supported the MCA’s efforts, providing grants for equipment, facilitating training programs, and fostering collaborations with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. The state also facilitated the participation of the Meghalaya team at the National Games by providing travel grants.
Furthermore, the state hosted the Megha Kayak Fest, an international competition recognized by the International Canoe Federation. This event provided a valuable platform for local athletes to learn from and interact with national and international athletes, including Olympians. The Department is currently exploring the development of a world-class slalom course in Meghalaya to further enhance the sport’s infrastructure and attract international expertise.
The Government of Meghalaya is committed to developing a robust sports ecosystem. A significant investment of ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development, including the construction of artificial football turfs, indoor halls, and large-scale sports complexes. The state also rewards athletes with cash awards and scholarships to encourage excellence in various sports.
With such initiatives, the state is confident that more athletes will follow Pynshngaiñ’s path and bring further glory to Meghalaya on the national and international sporting stage.
