Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Shillong launched the 2026 State-Level Inter-School Athletics Meet on May 20, drawing nearly 900 athletes and officials from all 12 districts of Meghalaya. The three-day competition is taking place at the Sports Authority of India centre in the NEHU campus and serves as a vital platform for identifying young sporting talent across the state.
The event features 48 different categories for boys and girls in the under-14, under-16, and under-18 age groups. These participants qualified for the state meet after competing in earlier district-level rounds, which included 9,681 students from 380 schools. The schedule includes a variety of track and field events, such as sprints, middle-distance races, relay races, triathlons, long jumps, high jumps, javelin throws, and shot put.
Organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs alongside the Meghalaya Athletics Association, the championship aligns with the state's efforts to improve grassroots sports ahead of the 39th National Games. Officials noted that the government has implemented a mission-mode approach to sports development, supported by improved infrastructure, increased cash incentives, and the Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy.
During the opening ceremony, representatives from the Meghalaya State Olympic Association emphasized that sports serve as an essential tool for cultural exchange and social unity. Beyond the pursuit of medals, the event aims to instill discipline, resilience, and teamwork in students, creating a clear pathway for promising athletes to reach higher tiers of competition.
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