Shillong, May 24, 2024: The State Level Inter School Athletic Meet, held over three days at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), STC, NEHU, Shillong, culminated today with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of sportsmanship. Organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Athletics Association, the meet aimed to identify and nurture athletic talent from the block level to the district and state levels, with the ultimate goal of producing athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony were Matsiewdor War Nongbri, IAS, Secretary Revenue and Disaster Department, Government of Meghalaya, who graced the occasion”as Chief Guest. Others present were K. Passah, Assistant Director, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya, John F. Kharshiing, Working President, Meghalaya State Olympics Association (MSOA), Col Omkar Singh, Registrar, NEHU, Darlene Khonglam, Sports Officer, Finely Pariat, Secretary, Meghalaya Athletics Association, and Australian Olympian, Ian Campbell. District Sports Officers (DSO’s), and Technical Officials of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) were also present.
The three-day sporting event which commenced on May 22nd to May 24th, showcased seven track events and five field events. The event witnessed a total of 809 athletes, comprising 397 boys and 412 girls, along with 36 team officials. Competitors represented their respective districts in three age categories: Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18, for both boys and girls.
In her speech, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, said this is one of the many events that sports, especially athletics and athletes look forward to. The sports department organizes this tournament which encourages competitive excellence, creation of elite and grassroot sports infrastructure, developing human resource in sports, takes care of athletes and coaches and their welfare, hosting regional, national, and international sports events and tournaments and empowering all the stakeholders, indicating a culture of physical fitness and sports through mass participation. “Please make use of your talents, the training that you have, please make use of the passion that you have for your sport, because this is the time that you can grow. I urge all my athlete friends to take these things forward and to use them to the best of your abilities through the training and help that you get from your coaches, officers in the district and the department itself,” is her message to all athletes.
East Khasi Hills District was adjudged the overall champion of the State Level Inter-School Athletic Meet 2024 securing 12 gold medals, 6 silver, and 3 bronze.
