Shillong, Sep 14: The Meghalaya State Senior Athletics Championship 2026 made a much-anticipated return after an 18-year gap on Monday, with 267 athletes from all 12 districts competing across track and field disciplines at the Sports Authority of India centre on the NEHU Shillong campus.

Ri-Bhoi made the strongest start on the opening day, topping the medal standings with six gold, one silver and one bronze. Eastern West Khasi Hills followed with two gold, one silver and two bronze, while West Jaintia Hills were third with one gold and three silver medals.

The three-day championship is being organised by the Meghalaya Athletics Association (MAA) with the support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Welcoming the participants, MAA Senior Vice-President EMH Passah said the state championship was being revived after a gap of 18 years. He thanked the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and the State Government for supporting the event.

The championship is also part of efforts to identify and develop athletic talent ahead of the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host next year.

Chief guest and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Alertson Nongbri said the revival of the championship was timely, particularly with the National Games approaching.

“The best of you will be representing our state at the National Games,” Nongbri told the athletes.

He also highlighted the State Government’s structured scholarship programme, cash awards and employment incentives for successful sportspersons.

“The government aims for an Olympian from Meghalaya by 2032 and who will be that superstar? It is you,” Nongbri told the athletes, urging them to dream big and believe that nothing was impossible.

A total of 166 male and 101 female athletes have registered for the championship, competing in 37 track and field disciplines. Around 120 technical officials, including officials from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), are involved in conducting the meet.

West Jaintia Hills sprinter Renaldi Dhar took the oath on behalf of all participating athletes during the opening ceremony.

Weather conditions also tested the competitors on the opening day. Bright sunshine during the earlier sessions gave way to heavy rain in the final session, forcing athletes to adapt during the men’s and women’s 100m and 1500m finals.

In the women’s 1500m, Monlangki Kyndait of West Jaintia Hills won gold in 5:25.86, while Marshal Wanniang of Eastern West Khasi Hills claimed the men’s title in 4:08.29.

Ri-Bhoi’s Phibakmen Rynghang won the women’s 100m in 13.07 seconds, while fellow Ri-Bhoi athlete Banraplang Lapang took the men’s 100m gold in 11.02 seconds.

The championship will continue through Wednesday, with athletes competing for medals and an opportunity to catch the attention of selectors ahead of Meghalaya’s National Games campaign.