Sportspersons feted for HK feat

NONGPOH/JOWAI: The Umling village dorbar on Wednesday felicitated Ferdinand Suchiang and Thomas Rangthaluh for bringing laurels to the country in the recently-concluded international Jeet Kune Do Championships at Hong Kong.
Ferdinand, who hails from Dongmihsngi, Jowai, had bagged gold in the full contact category by defeating his Filipino opponent while Ri Bhoi lad, Thomas Rangthaluh got the silver medal in the prestigious international event.
Earlier, the duo was greeted by Donny Ranee, the general secretary of the Jeet Kune Do Association of Meghalaya along with his team, family members, and NGO leaders on their arrival at the LGBI Airport.
The World Jeet Kune Do champions were also warmly welcomed by JHADC Chief, Awhoi Andrew Shullai and his team of MDCs including Moonlight Pariat, KM Lytang, Wining Sungoh and Lamdibok Sumer besides JSU leaders, elders of the Suchiang clans, his family, friends and relatives at Yingkein Myntdu just before reaching Jowai. 
The duo was honoured with bouquets and traditional turban at Umling village.
Speaking at the function, the headman of Umling village, Comenson Wahlang lauded the duo for their feat despite many obstacles, saying that their feat in the international event was the outcome of hard work and dedication.
Ranee, the man behind the achievements of the duo, called upon the schools in the state to introduce martial arts.
However, the two medalists expressed their dismay at the apathetic attitude of the state government towards sportspersons. They rued that there were no sponsors or financial aid from the state prior to their departure to Hong Kong.
“We had to borrow money” Ferdinand said and urged the government to help local sportspersons.