Nongpoh, January 29, 2026: Meghalaya delivered an outstanding performance at the South Asian Martial Arts Games Championship 2026, with all 41 athletes from the state returning home with medals under the leadership of Meghalaya Martial Arts Federation President and Coach, Bah Thomas Rongthaluh.
The championship was held from January 27 to 29 at Shilpgram, NEZCC (Government of India), Panjabari, Guwahati, Assam, and featured participants from various parts of India and South Asia.
The Meghalaya contingent, largely comprising athletes from Ri Bhoi district, recorded a remarkable clean sweep, with every participant securing at least one medal. The medal tally included 33 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, along with a special achievement award won by Faustina Kassar.
The multi-discipline tournament featured a wide range of martial arts, including Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, Aikido, Silambam, and other combat disciplines.
The team included both male and female athletes, ranging from senior competitors to a six-year-old boy, highlighting the growing grassroots development of martial arts in Meghalaya.
Speaking to the media, Bah Thomas Rongthaluh expressed immense pride in the athletes’ achievements, acknowledging the challenges faced in training and preparation. “Despite limited facilities and resources, the dedication of the athletes and their commitment to excellence brought these results. Their success has made every hardship worthwhile,” he said, while also thanking supporters and well-wishers for their continued encouragement.
One of the athletes noted that the competition was particularly demanding due to the high level of preparation and superior infrastructure enjoyed by teams from other regions. However, she credited the team’s success to the unwavering dedication and personal commitment of their coach, which she described as the key factor behind their medal-winning performances.
The stellar showing at the South Asian Championship marks a significant milestone for martial arts in Meghalaya and underscores the state’s rising presence on the national and international sporting stage.
