Shillong, May 21: Shillong witnessed the opening of the State-Level Inter-School Athletics Meet 2026 on May 20, with close to 900 athletes and team officials from all 12 districts gathering for the three-day sporting event designed to identify and develop young talent across Meghalaya.
The championship, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in partnership with the Meghalaya Athletics Association, began at the Sports Authority of India’s Sports Training Centre at Mawkynroh within the NEHU campus. The competition will run until May 22 and features 48 events across under-14, under-16 and under-18 categories for both boys and girls.
Officials stated that the state-level competition follows extensive district-level events that saw participation from 9,681 athletes representing 380 schools. The athletics meet forms part of Meghalaya’s broader effort to strengthen grassroots sports and prepare for the 39th National Games, which the state will host.
Speaking during the inaugural programme, John F. Kharshiing of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association pointed to recent developments in the state’s sports landscape, including improvements in infrastructure, enhanced cash awards for medal-winning athletes and employment opportunities through the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy.
He said sports now play an important role in promoting interaction and unity across districts and emphasised that discipline and participation hold equal importance alongside competitive success.
Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Affairs P.B. War Nongbri said the government is pursuing a mission-based approach towards sports development. He added that the upcoming National Games would provide Meghalaya with a platform to display both its sporting capabilities and its hospitality at the national level.
The opening day of the meet included heats and finals in sprint and middle-distance races along with field events such as long jump, high jump, javelin throw and shot put. Participants also competed in relay races and triathlon events.
Officials said the championship is intended not only to encourage competitive excellence but also to strengthen qualities such as teamwork, resilience and skill development among students while creating opportunities for talented athletes to advance to higher levels of competition.
