Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: More than 100 athletes dived into competition at the 19th Meghalaya State Swimming Championship 2026. Organised by the Meghalaya Swimming Association, the event spanned multiple age categories. Winners walked away with gold, silver, and bronze medals. PB War Nongbri, Assistant Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, praised the growing turnout. He noted that the meet helps identify rising talent for national stages.
Meanwhile, Kynshi native Kitkupar Nongsiej is bound for the United States. He will represent India at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Las Vegas. The event runs from July 13 to 21. Nongsiej leaves Shillong on July 10 alongside his father, Aibari Kupar Syiemlieh. His trip was delayed last year due to global geopolitical shifts.
Nongsiej rose to fame winning Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, taking home a 1 lakh rupee prize. He previously won 35,000 rupees for taking first place in Sur Kynud Niam Season 2. He also spent time with the Shillong Chamber Choir and completed a 2025 international exposure program in Indonesia. He regularly performs Khasi folk songs on Doordarshan Meghalaya.
Don Bosco Youth Centre and Don Bosco Media Network held a send-off for the singer on July 8. Rev. Fr. John Zosiama attended as chief guest. Rev. Fr. Michael Makri, Director of the youth centre, addressed the crowd. "Our mission has always been to discover hidden talents and provide them with opportunities that many young people only dream about. We believe that talent from Meghalaya deserves international recognition," he said.
Nongsiej earned his spot through online auditions. He is the second winner of the Ka Sur Kynud competition to represent India abroad. Chevinia Lyngdoh Mawnai, the first champion, previously won the UK Vocal Star title in the United Kingdom.
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