Shillong, May 24: East Khasi Hills emerged as the overall champions at the State-Level Inter-School Athletics Meet 2026, securing 135 points after three days of competition in Shillong.
The meet, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Meghalaya Athletics Association, concluded on Friday at the Sports Authority of India training centre in Mawkynroh. Nearly 900 athletes from all 12 districts participated in 48 events held between May 20 and 22.
East Khasi Hills dominated the standings with 78 points in the girls’ category and 57 in the boys’. West Jaintia Hills finished second with 73 points, while Ri Bhoi secured third place with 49 points.
During the closing ceremony, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said Meghalaya’s sports budget had increased from Rs 40 crore seven years ago to Rs 844 crore this year.
He also highlighted the recently approved policy for direct government appointments for outstanding sportspersons, stating that medal winners at events such as the National Games, South Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympics would be eligible for employment opportunities.
The minister said hosting the 39th National Games next year would strengthen sports development in the state and added that Meghalaya aims to produce an Olympian by 2036.
Several athletes were recognised for their performances. In the Under-14 category, Ewandame Mark Syiemlieh of East Khasi Hills and Lamsaka Dkhar of East Jaintia Hills received the best athlete awards. Highbornson Muksor of East Jaintia Hills and Amandy Rumnong of East Khasi Hills were honoured in the Under-16 category, while Cherim Ch Sangma of North Garo Hills and Tusame N Marak of East Khasi Hills received the awards in the Under-18 division.
The final day featured 200m and 300m track finals alongside field events including discus throw, shot put and high jump, before concluding with the Under-18 boys’ and girls’ 4x100m relay events.
