Shillong, Sep 16: Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association emerged as the overall winner of the Meghalaya State Senior Athletics Championship 2026, which concluded at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU Shillong campus on Wednesday.
The three-day championship was held for the first time in 18 years and saw participation from 267 athletes representing all 12 districts of Meghalaya.
Ri-Bhoi topped the medal tally with 9 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze medals. West Jaintia Hills finished second with 7 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze, while East Khasi Hills took third place with 5 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze.
All 12 participating districts managed to win at least two medals.
The Best Athlete awards went to Eliam Bonkam G Sangma of South West Garo Hills in the men’s category and Phibakmen Rynghang of Ri-Bhoi in the women’s category.
The Most Promising Athlete awards were presented to Lastly Suchiang of East Jaintia Hills in the men’s category and Monlangki Kyndait of West Jaintia Hills in the women’s category.
The closing ceremony was attended by Glynis Leanne Nunn, an Olympic gold-winning heptathlete who represented Australia at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, as chief guest. Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing was the guest of honour.
Nunn is currently in Meghalaya working with the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs to support the development of local sporting talent ahead of the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya is scheduled to host next year.
Speaking to the athletes, Nunn said her own journey from the small Australian town of Toowoomba to the Olympics showed that athletes from smaller places could also reach the highest level.
“I was so excited to see some wonderful performances. I came from a small country town, so it can be done provided you have commitment, dedication and resilience in putting in the hours you need,” she said.
She also encouraged athletes to learn from both victories and setbacks and to enjoy their sporting journey.
“Sport and competition teaches you lessons, both when you win and also when you don’t because then it shows you what you need to improve on. The main thing I learned from my sport is that you have to enjoy it,” Nunn said.
Kharshiing said the importance of athletics extends beyond winning medals, stressing its role in fitness and personal development.
“More than medals, it is a fitness thing. It is never a waste of time but an investment in your career,” he said, while encouraging athletes to return to their districts and inspire more young people to take up athletics.
On Meghalaya’s preparations for the National Games, Kharshiing said he looked forward to the state “rising to the occasion” when it hosts the event next year and competing with athletes from across the country.
