Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: The state-level Inter-School Athletics Meet 2026 kicked off on Wednesday at the Sports Authority of India Training Centre in Shillong. The three-day competition features nearly 900 athletes and officials from all 12 districts of Meghalaya, who are competing across 48 distinct events.
Organized by the state Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in partnership with the Meghalaya Athletics Association, the event hosts students in the Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 age groups. Participants are showcasing their skills in various disciplines, including long and high jumps, javelin throw, shot put, sprint and middle-distance races, relays, and triathlons.
John F. Kharshiing, working president of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, opened the event by acknowledging recent improvements to the local sporting landscape. He pointed to upgraded infrastructure and new policies, such as increased cash awards for national gold medalists and guaranteed government employment for National Games medal winners, as key steps in supporting regional talent.
Deputy Director P. B. War Nongbri noted that the meet acts as a vital pipeline for identifying young athletes, following district-level competitions that involved over 9,600 students from 380 schools. He added that the event also serves as preparation for Meghalaya to host the 39th edition of the National Games. Beyond the competition, officials emphasized that the meet is designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and personal growth among the state's youth.
Comments