Shillong, Jan 17: East Khasi Hills maintained their stranglehold on the badminton court, clinching all four gold medals in both boys’ and girls’ categories during the 5th Meghalaya Games. The district’s athletes showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition.
In the girls’ singles, Netania T Tariang secured victory, defeating her West Khasi Hills counterpart, Shimtihum Lyngdoh. The bronze medals were claimed by West Jaintia Hills (WJH) and West Garo Hills (WGH). The girls’ doubles category witnessed a formidable duo as Netania partnered with Caralinda Nongbri, overcoming Shimtihum and Doreenzia Kharbani. Once again, WGH and WJH secured the bronze medals.
The boys’ singles final saw Reynel Kharbuki emerging victorious over his fellow East Khasi Hills competitor, Stephan Marwein. Eastern West Khasi Hills (EWKH) and Ribhoi shared the bronze medals. In the boys’ doubles, Reynel partnered with Pratham Majumdar to defeat Banshabor Lamare and Lechan Suchiang, with Ribhoi and WGH claiming the bronze.
Swimming
East Khasi Hills continued their pool dominance for the second consecutive day in swimming, securing 10 out of the 11 medals contested on Wednesday. The district not only claimed 9 gold medals but also added 7 silvers and swept all 11 bronze medals on offer.
The only other gold in swimming went to South West Khasi Hills (SWKH), accompanied by 3 silvers. East Jaintia Hills (EJH) secured a lone silver for their efforts. Events included the men’s and women’s 100-meter freestyle, where EKH athletes clinched all the medals. In the 100-meter breaststroke, both silver and bronze went to EKH in the men’s category, while all three medals were claimed by EKH in the women’s category.
Gymnastics
The 5th Meghalaya Games witnessed a dazzling display of gymnastic prowess, with East Khasi Hills dominating every category in Vaulting Table, Floor Exercise, and Balancing Beam. Young athletes captivated audiences at Don Bosco Junior College in Tura, showcasing their talent and dedication to the sport. The Women’s Artistic Gymnastics categories featured fierce competition in Senior, Junior, and Sub-Junior divisions. In the Men’s Open Category Artistic Gymnastics, Mebantei Lyngdoh Marshillong claimed the title of the All-around Champion, while Wandalang Bernadette Malngiang secured the All-around Champion Senior Category.
Track and Field
The third day of the 5th Meghalaya Games brought thrilling competitions to the Tura Track and Field in Dakopgre. Retina Hanse from Ribhoi district and Kyrshanlang Shylla from West Jaintia Hills district emerged as the fastest athletes in the men and women categories during the 400m race finals. In the fiercely contested men’s category, Kyrshanlang Shylla secured victory, while Damika R Lyngdoh from West Jaintia Hills earned the silver medal in the women’s category.
Football
After a series of exciting league games, the football competition in the 5th Meghalaya Games is gearing up for its final rounds at the P.A Sangma Football Stadium, Tura, on January 18-19. East Khasi Hills will face Ri Bhoi in the Men’s category, while West Jaintia Hills takes on West Garo Hills. In the Women’s category, Eastern West Khasi Hills will contend against Ri Bhoi, and South West Khasi Hills will clash with the formidable East Khasi Hills women’s football team.
The East Khasi Hills women’s team has demonstrated dominance throughout, scoring consistently and impressively. The final rounds will elevate the competition standards, shifting from Chandmari Football Field to the natural grass turf of the P.A Sangma Football Stadium. Semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, with the final matches unfolding on Saturday.