Mawkyrwat: Tlanding Wahlang, a 40-year-old farmer and marathoner from the remote village of Sngimawlein, about 20 kms from Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills district who will be representing India in the 2019 Trail World Championships to be held in Miranda Do Corvo in Portugal on June 8th, 2019, has expressed confidence of winning the competition.
Wahlang was felicitated in a programme organised by the district administration in collaboration with the office of the District Sports Officer, District Sports Association and Run Meghalaya at Nativity HS School, Mawkyrwat on Friday with to raise funds to meet his expenses for travel, visa etc.
Different programmes, including a 5.1-km run, road show, fun and games, Jukebox, Tyre-Goal, housie and a live concert besides food stalls were held to raise funds for Wahlang.
“I did not know that my hard work had united people like this. I just want to show the younger generation, the youths and even adults like me that hard work brings success. Thank you all, NGOs and officers and especially the Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, for facilitating and inspiring me. Now I am confident and when I compete in Portugal next month, I feel like I will win because of your inspiration,” Wahlang said.
Wahlang also credited his success to Gerald Pde and his wife Habari of Run Meghalaya for supporting him since the beginning. “If not for Bah General and Kong Habari of Run Meghalaya who have supported and sponsored me, I would have reached nowhere and all my hard work would have been a waste of time,” Wahlang said as he also thanked God for giving him the talent and guiding him all his life.
While narrating about the challenges that he overcame, Wahlang said, “At the beginning I am just a local player, then a state player and national player. It’s like football, when you have the first, second, and then the final round and this competition in Portugal is a final and I will try to win it”.
Meanwhile, Isawanda Laloo while speaking on the occasion said Wahlang’s selection as one among the five runners to represent India was a matter of pride.
“We have got a lot of support to organise this programme to help Wahlang as a mark of respect for bringing glory to the district and the Jaitbynriew and especially for being a good example to the younger generation,” Laloo said.
The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs donated Rs one lakh. The Mawkyrwat District Sports Association, Officers Club, office of District Sports Officer and Run Meghalaya also donated Rs one lakh.
Besides, other associations, including Mawkyrwat Area Maxi Cap Owners and Drivers Association, Mawthawpdah Area Rilang Fishing Association, Veteran South West Khasi Hills District Swimming Association, Badminton Association and Cricket Association also felicitated Wahlang. The programme was also attended by Mawkyrwat MLA Renik L Tongkhar and Mawkyrwat MDC Carness Sohshang.
