Jowai, Jan 25: The 6th edition of the Meghalaya Games reached its culmination at the iconic Kiang Nangbah Football Stadium in Jowai on Saturday with East Khasi Hills emerging as the Champion of Champions with a medal tally of 149 gold, 105 silver and 127 bronze for a total of 381 medals.
West Jaintia Hills ended in second place with 108 medals while Ri-Bhoi was third with 104 medals.
The closing ceremony unfolded with a spectacular display of sportsmanship and cultural richness. The culmination marked the end of a week-long extravaganza that brought together athletes from all corners of the state, engaging in 29 sports, and boasting a commendable participation of over 3500 spirited contenders.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Other dignitaries in attendance included MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, MSOA working president John F Kharshiing, West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner BS Sohliya, and others.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had inaugurated the 6th Meghalaya Games on January 21 at the Wahiajer Stadium.
The 6th Meghalaya Games has created milestones of many firsts. With participation of 3,500 athletes, the highest till date in the history of the state games. 29 sporting events including four demonstration sports is also the highest number of disciplines seen at the Meghalaya Games.
For the first time, seven para-athletes took part in the Meghalaya Games expressing their grit and determination. And, as stated by Kharshiing, “95% of the athletes from Garo Hills experienced West Jaintia Hills for the first time during the 6th Meghalaya Games, 2025.”
Dhar shared his views on the success of the Meghalaya Games and ptraised the chief minister, the sports minister, the MLA of Jowai and the Sports Associations for their efforts.
He said, “We are proud to say we are fit to host the National Games.”
He added that the Sports department has seen significant growth under the MDA government, with increased budget and infrastructure development. The construction of the Mawkhanu football stadium, set to be India’s largest, will make Meghalaya the soccer capital of India, he added.
