SHILLONG: The All Meghalaya Sepaktakraw Association is gearing up to send its players to the 29th National Sepaktakraw Championship, scheduled to be held in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2026.
Preparations have intensified, with both male and female players undergoing rigorous training sessions in anticipation of the national event.
Association president Samuel Hashah expressed confidence in the Meghalaya contingent, stating that the players are well prepared and expected to deliver a strong performance. He highlighted the team’s recent participation in a tournament in Ranchi—where he accompanied the men’s team—which provided valuable experience and has helped sharpen the players’ competitiveness for the upcoming championship.
Hashah also urged the Meghalaya Government to include Sepaktakraw in the National Games set to be hosted by the state in 2027.
He emphasized that inclusion would provide local athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage.
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The National Federation, according to Hashah, has already taken up the matter with the President of the Indian Olympic Association and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and further discussions with the state government will be necessary to facilitate the sport’s inclusion.
He noted that Sepaktakraw has featured in National Games held in several states, including Goa, and stressed the importance of giving Meghalaya’s players the same opportunity.
Meanwhile, coach Bidhumukhi reported that both the men’s and women’s teams have been diligently training in morning and evening sessions to improve fitness and match readiness. She expressed hope that the players would have the chance to represent Meghalaya in the 2027 National Games and make the state proud.
The association is now focusing on final preparations for the national championship, with players aiming to deliver a strong showing and bring recognition to Meghalaya on the national stage.
(4FrontMedia news)
