Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: East Khasi Hills secured the title of overall champion at the 2026 State-Level Inter-School Athletics Meet in Shillong. The team finished the three-day competition with 135 total points, leading the field ahead of West Jaintia Hills, which took second place with 73 points, and Ri Bhoi, which placed third with 49 points.
The event, held at the Sports Authority of India training centre in Mawkynroh, drew nearly 900 athletes from all 12 districts of Meghalaya. Competitors participated in 48 different events between May 20 and 22. East Khasi Hills built its winning total by scoring 78 points in the girls' category and 57 points in the boys' division.
During the closing ceremony, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla announced that the state sports budget has grown to Rs 844 crore this year. He also detailed the new Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy, which offers government employment to athletes who earn medals at major competitions like the National Games and the Olympics. Officials stated that the state aims to produce an Olympian by 2036 and continues to prepare for hosting the 39th National Games next year.
Several young athletes earned individual honors for their standout performances. Best athlete awards were presented to Ewandame Mark Syiemlieh and Lamsaka Dkhar in the Under-14 category, Highbornson Muksor and Amandy Rumnong in the Under-16 division, and Cherim Ch Sangma and Tusame N Marak in the Under-18 group. Following his win, Sangma noted that the experience provided valuable exposure and led to his selection for the Super Elite Pathway programme.
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