“Just like David stood before Goliath, our athletes stand before the world—with nothing but courage, discipline, and heart”
No story captures the spirit of resilience quite like the Old Testament tale of David and Goliath — where a young shepherd, armed with faith and courage, defeats a mighty warrior. In the mist-covered hills of Meghalaya, a land spread across 22,720 km² and fondly known as the ‘Abode of Clouds,’ that same spirit lives on through athletes who rise above the odds to make their mark in the world of sports.
Alan Sun Marbaniang, a member of the unarmed branch of the Meghalaya Police in the Ri-Bhoi district, is a passionate arm wrestler with years of accolades. He trains at the Power Gym Club near Rynjah. On the other hand, Wanda Syiemiong has overcome her own challenges, breaking stereotypes to secure two gold medals at the World Police and Fire Games recently held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Introducing Alan Marbaniang
Alan’s journey was not easy. He began learning the ropes of arm wrestling at a young age under the guidance of his father, the late Dr. F.T. Sun, who was well-known in the field. Bearing traces of Chinese ancestry, Alan inherited his father’s wisdom and was motivated by genetics and a strong desire to win. He had the opportunity to train and compete alongside legends. After starting college in 2004 at St. Edmund’s in Shillong, he showcased his talent during College Week, gaining the respect of his peers in the Arts department, including Heipor, Rupert, and Keith. He took on further challenges by participating in various national meets, earning recognition along the way.
Although he secured a job in the Meghalaya Police Department, this did not deter him from competing. In fact, even his superiors supported his growth and passion for the sport. Alan recalled how his father once told him that if he was truly his son, it was time to prove himself through actions. The crest of St. Edmund’s emphasizes this, bearing the motto, “FACTA NON VERBA.”
His journey eventually took him to the United States of America, home of the brave. Facing competitors from 71 different nations, Alan recognized the stakes were higher at the World Police and Fire Games. Nevertheless, his determination and skill enabled him to overcome those who had even mocked him at the airport.
Introducing Wanda Syiemiong
Wanda Syiemiong is a formidable competitor in her own right. They say, “never judge a book by its cover“—a phrase that rings true for Wanda, a mother of three who has spent over a decade defying stereotypes. Balancing the demands of family life, she has carved a space for herself in a male-dominated sport as a committed member of the Power Gym Club. Despite facing hardships, she became determined to showcase her talent and be a role model for her family. Like Alan, she has achieved many past successes, winning medals for the club. This time, she aimed to create history not just for herself, but for her family, department, and state. Wanda credits the support she received from the command structure of the Meghalaya Police, which believes in nurturing talent and fostering growth. With her determination and previous achievements, she joined Alan as they faced the challenges of the World Police and Fire Games in the U.S.
ALSO WATCH THE INTERVIEW IN KHASI
Below are excerpts from an interview with Christopher Laurence Gatphoh, Special Correspondent for 4Front Media:
CG: We’re glad to have Alan and Kong Wanda Syiemiong with us in the studio despite your busy schedules. Let’s discuss the World Police and Fire Games and have a casual conversation. Alan, could you tell us how your journey with arm wrestling began?
Alan M: Thank you, 4Front Media, for having us. Christopher, it’s been a while since our college days, and there’s a lot to share, including some mischievous memories. My name is Alan S. Marbaniang, and I live in Nongrah; my mother resides in Nongshilliang. The journey to Alabama was not easy—I faced significant financial challenges, but with God’s grace, everything worked out.
We kept praying, and our DGP Madam and senior members of the force helped us.
It was a 20-hour flight to the USA, and I was petrified when I heard about the plane crash in Ahmedabad. To distract ourselves, we watched a movie during the flight.
During the weigh-in day of the event, many participants from France and Germany mocked us because of our short stature. They asked, “Are you Indian police? We belong to a different breed.” Life is full of surprises; I ended up facing the same individual who tried to psychologically deter me the night before, and I defeated him twice. The credit goes to God.
CG: It was a classic showdown, reminiscent of David and Goliath. This proves that people from our state can excel in various disciplines such as taekwondo, swimming, and more. It highlights the importance of finding and nurturing talent to provide better opportunities.
CG: Kong Wanda. Alan mentioned that every morning, you wake up at 3:30 am, which, for many, is the perfect time to doze off. What makes you so disciplined?
Wanda S: [laughs] It all began around 2001 or 2003 while participating in the national arena. Coming from humble beginnings it was tough, the financial crunch made me stop practising. It was in 2019-2020 that I met Alan and thought to myself – why not start again? It’s time to revisit the past and become a better version of myself. The training was under the supervision of Alan and I bagged the gold at the All India Police games.
CG: Since our college days, I would like to know a few things about your Chinese ancestry and your father who has been the beacon for your journey.
Alan: My father was a doctor and a Chinese but a quiet professional on Arm Wrestling. Kong Anita Songthiang and Eva Kharmujai were champions trained by my father. He told me to start training soon and I took it at heart. During 1995, there was no YouTube or Instagram; it was not YouTube that taught us how or what equipment to buy or make. But my father, an intelligent person that he was, had already got the same equipments customised according to our requirements, back in the day. Imagine the ingenuity of the man!
CG: What I know is that – Kong Wanda you have a competitive spirit. Please elaborate…
Wanda S: I’ve said it before—having children didn’t mean I had to give up on my dreams. People would often question me: “Why train and compete when you have kids?” But they never truly understood my aspirations. I’ve made sacrifices—at times even taking loans—to pursue this journey. To every mother out there: if you have the passion, the drive, and the will to succeed, don’t hold back. Go for it. Just do it.
CG: Will you promote this sport in your own department?
Alan: I officially entered the service in 2010, but my journey began much earlier—in 1998—when I gained the experience and confidence to tell myself that one day, I would raise the flag of the department high. And today, we did it.
My heartfelt thanks to the SP of Ri-Bhoi for granting me the time and support to train. This is just the beginning—there are many within the police force who are ready to rise in the world of arm wrestling.
Wanda: I, too, encourage the youngsters to come forward, work hard and claim your summit.
CG: In an age filled with social media distractions, what message would you like to share with today’s youth?
Wanda: First and foremost, my heartfelt thanks to the police department, the Director General, and the Commandant of the 6th Battalion for their support.
To this generation, I want to say: coming from a poor household should never be a reason to feel discouraged. I have children of my own, and if they ever choose to pursue sports, I’ll stand by them. But remember—whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. True passion is what makes the difference.
Alan: Everything is possible in life—if Kong Wanda can rise to the challenge, there is no stopping anyone.
In a world where illusions fragment our societies, heroes still emerge—those who dare to fight, to rise, and to redefine the odds. Right here in Meghalaya’s own backyard lies an abundance of raw talent—from sports to music and beyond—where individuals continue to triumph in the face of adversity.
As NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang once said, “Greatness comes from character, and character isn’t formed out of smart people. It’s formed out of people who have suffered.” And that is exactly where true strength is born.
