SHILLONG: The Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association claimed top honors at the Meghalaya State Senior Athletics Championship 2026, held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU campus, securing nine gold, seven silver, and seven bronze medals.
West Jaintia Hills finished second, while East Khasi Hills placed third.
All 12 districts participated, with each winning at least two medals during the three-day event—the first after an 18-year gap.
Best Athlete awards went to Eliam Bonkam G Sangma (South West Garo Hills, men) and Phibakmen Rynghang (Ri-Bhoi, women), while Most Promising Athlete honors were awarded to Lastly Suchiang (East Jaintia Hills, men) and Monlangki Kyndait (West Jaintia Hills, women).
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Olympic gold medallist and former Australian heptathlete Glynis Leanne Nunn, present at the event, said Meghalaya’s athletes have Olympic potential but should focus on identifying events suited to their build and improving coordination, flexibility, and technique.
Nunn stressed gradual development and consistent effort, noting that natural strength combined with increased speed could yield even better results.
She expressed optimism for Meghalaya’s chances at the upcoming National Games and encouraged athletes to keep striving for improvement.
(4FrontMedia news)
