Shillong, October 24: RCLPS Mawlat, RCLPS Dienglieng and Holy Cross Secondary School, Mawkynrew, emerged as march-past champions in their respective categories at an inter-school sports meet organised by Holy Cross Secondary School, Mawkynrew.

The two-day meet was held at the school’s football ground on October 22 and 23, with 30 schools from the surrounding areas participating in competitions across the lower primary, upper primary and secondary levels.

RCLPS Mawlat won the boys’ and girls’ march-past titles in the lower primary category, while RCLPS Dienglieng secured both titles in the upper primary category. Holy Cross Secondary School, Mawkynrew, claimed the boys’ and girls’ titles in the secondary category.

The opening ceremony featured a march-past by participating schools, the lighting of the Olympic torch and an oath-taking ceremony led by the sports captain. Rapsang, Deputy Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was named chief guest, while Jherden Lyngdoh of 2 NCC was assigned a role in the torch-lighting ceremony.

The programme also included a welcome address by Father Anupam, an address by the chief guest, felicitations, distribution of items to students and the formal declaration of the meet open. Students of St. Paul School, Jatah Lakadong, presented a drill display.

In the boys’ 200-metre race, Holestar Nongrum secured first place, followed by Libony Nongrum in second and Blessing Nongrum in third. In the girls’ event, Inarity Nongrum finished first, while Mintainda Bina of Holy Cross Secondary School took second place and Ritngenlang Mynsong of St. Paul, Jatah, finished third.

Holy Cross Secondary School also won both the boys’ and girls’ relay races, with St. Paul finishing runners-up in both events.

In the secondary-level high jump, Holy Cross secured all three positions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. St. Paul Secondary School, Jatah, swept all three positions in the girls’ long jump.

Besides athletics, the meet featured traditional and team sports, including kho-kho and mawpoin, allowing students to showcase their sporting abilities, discipline and teamwork.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony attended by Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Lyngdoh praised the students for their talent and abilities and encouraged them to train regularly, work hard and strive to compete at higher levels.