Shillong, March, 8: Sixteen-year-old kickboxer Mewanpyndap Marpan received a warm reception from his village community after returning with a silver medal from the Asian Pacific Open International Kickboxing Championships 2026 held in Bali from February 24 to 28.
The young athlete from Thadnongiaw village brought pride to his community and the state after competing on an international platform and securing the second position in the championship.
On his return to the village, residents of Thadnongiaw, along with elders of the Dorbar Shnong, gathered in large numbers along the roadside to accord him a warm welcome. The reception was marked by traditional Bhoi songs, reflecting the joy and pride of the community.
During a felicitation programme organised in his honour, Marpan was presented with a golden shawl and traditional Ryndia cloth as a mark of recognition for bringing honour to the village and the state. Family members, relatives and villagers congratulated the young athlete and expressed pride in his achievement.
The Rangbah Shnong of Thadnongiaw, Seiborlang Makri, said the entire village was proud of Marpan’s success, noting that the achievement was not only a proud moment for his family but also for the community as a whole.
He added that Marpan’s accomplishment would inspire other youths in the village to work hard and pursue their talents with dedication. Praising the young kickboxer, Makri said the athlete has brought recognition to both the village and the state on an international sporting platform.
Encouraging him to continue striving for excellence, the Rangbah Shnong expressed hope that Marpan would take part in more competitions in the future and achieve even greater success.
Villagers who attended the felicitation programme also offered prayers of gratitude, thanking God for blessing the community with a talented youth who has brought honour to the village and the state. The programme concluded with words of encouragement for Marpan to continue showcasing his talent in future sporting arenas.
